biography

Laurens van Wieringen was born 04-07-1974 in Nijmegen; he grew up in Arnhem in the east of The Netherlands. After studying at The Arnhem Institute for the Arts, 3D-design, he continued his study in Product Design at the Royal College of Art, London for his master degree.
He has started his own design studio in Amsterdam. His attitude towards design encourages startling and refreshing ideas. He is a defiant explorer of shapes and materials by using, inventing or twisting production methods; I try to offer a surrounding, atmosphere in which people can feel pleasant, have a laugh or are misguided for a moment, to trigger people to do what they feel like doing.
I want to be as open-minded as possible on many levels in different branches and hierarchies.
I feel itis my job to interfere, to join in on finding solutions and to comment. Uncomplicated, with a twist and sometimes with a bit cynicism.
In my work the 'drive' and motivation for exploring new areas of design and translating this into the products is prominent. By taking on the challenge of experiment and the included risks and mistakes, the design process stays dynamic. It forces me to stay alert and to anticipate.
It is important to me to look for new materials and applications as well as to have a second look at existing production methods. There is much more potential in there than is currently used. "You can play with the rules if you know the rules. Nevertheless, sometimes you have to come up with a new game in order to create new rules".
Design products is not the only pleasure but also to think over the whole process of making. An intensive collaboration and exchange of knowledge between the producer and designer is a pleasure and a must. This team effort can make a product dynamic and a production process used optimum.

Since the start of the Studio in 2003 Laurens has specialized himself in interior design.
Laurens is at his best when he can actually design an entire setting. His Florian bar in Arnhem won the
‘hospitality & style award’ for best new bar design. It features floor covering, lamps with specially made graphic shades and furniture that is somehow reminiscent of an American Fifties diner because of its finish, but at least twenty seven times more elegant. There are block shaped candles with four wicks in a row and the florian bar logo on them.

Working for and collaborate with companies to visualize their identity in the interior is an absolute joy.
On all levels, decisions have an effect. On the company’s clients, its personnel, its efficiency and the way the company wants to radiate their attitude.

Again the team effort with all the involved parties and to get all parties enthusiastic is one of Laurens main motivations. People always play a key role.
This whole process is hidden from the public but is as much interesting and fun as the result.
The energy put in this process is also evidently felt in the result.
In the end it doesn't matter much how ideas are executed, but the energy and intension in them do.
This energy is very important to me and stimulates me to enjoy and design.