Linde Freya Tangelder, Founder at Destroyers / Builders
Linde Freya Tangelder is a Belgian-based artist and designer. In 2014, she founded Destroyers / Builders, a multi-disciplinary design studio specialising in architectural furniture and interior projects. With an expansive body of work, Linde takes her inspiration from architecture, materials, or building techniques. Recently, Linde launched her first collaboration with Cassina, 'Soft Corners', which combines padded shapes reminiscent of stone masonry to be used as versatile interior elements. Here, she shares why the hallway is her favourite part of the home, an Asian fusion restaurant in Antwerp, and a hint of what to expect from her latest project for Cassina.
Interviews
18.11.2022
Linde Freya Tangelder's 'Soft Corners' collection with Gaetano Pesce's 'Tramonto a New York' sofa, both for Cassina. Photographed by Paola Pansini.
Where in the world do we find you?
In Antwerp, Belgium.
What is your favourite room at home?
The hallway. I just like the spaces that lead to the larger rooms; they often can give an introduction to the style of the resident, but also I think the small in-between spaces can have the potential for small seating areas or can be a perfect place to fit wall lights (which I love).
Any must-read books?
Natural History - Herzog & De Meuron.
Where do you like to eat out?
Asian fusion at Camino [Antwerp]. And, soon, I hope to finally go to Blueness, for which I designed several furniture pieces.
What is on your playlist?
Peter Doherty, Odezenne, Dans Dans, David Holmes.
An up-and-coming designer to watch?
I mainly find my inspiration in architecture and art, so I cannot directly think of the up-and-coming designers, though there is so much talent around.
Some of the designers or movements that inspire you?
Brutalism, Juliaan Lampens (architect), Carlo Scarpa, Le Corbusier, Lina Bo Bardi. I always have a huge appreciation when architects start to design furniture, but, in general, I am so inspired by architecture.
Your favourite building or architect?
SESC Pompéia by Lina Bo Bardi.
Linde Freya Tangelder with some of the pieces in her Soft Corners collection for Cassina. Photography: Valentina Sommariva.
"Soft Corners combines padded shapes, reminiscent of stone masonry, to be used as versatile interior elements."
Sesc Pompéia by Lina Bo Bardi. Image © Pedro Kok via ArchDaily.
A piece of furniture you own and love?
A chair by Jonathan Muecke, through Maniera gallery. I think it is made in such a smart and delicate way, with a surprising material combination of glass fibre and leather.
An important iconic furniture piece you covet?
1 Fauteuil dossier basculant chair by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand. I would love to find a vintage version of that! Wooden Chair by Lina Bo Bardi made for Santa Maria dos Anjos Chapel in Sao Paulo.
Three designers you would take with you to a deserted island?
Dries van Noten, Matthieu Blazy and Brandlhuber +. If I was on a deserted island, I would definitely take a fashion designer and an architect to have more of a diverse palette of conversation!
What first comes to mind when you think of Australia?
The red sand, and red stone, though I have never seen them in real life.
Can you share what you are working on at the moment?
I am currently working on an enlightening project for Cassina with my current favourite material: glass.
Limited edition pieces by Linde Freya Tangelder. Initiated during a residency in Turin and developed for Carwan Gallery, these pieces were then further developed by Cassina for production. Photographed by Jeroen Verrecht at Westrand, Dilbeek.
Linde Freya Tangelder's Soft Corners collection for Cassina. Photography: Valentina Sommariva.