Cutting-edge designers, Maarten de Ceulaer and Damien Grenay established a new collective studio in the Belgian capital. With another three designers, two photographers and an architect, this interdisciplinary atelier is making waves in a city on the verge of creative revolution. We spoke to both de Ceulaer and Grenay about their new space, renovating it and Studio With A View’s day-to-day. We also checked-in to see what they have planned for Brussels’ Design September.
Why did you choose Brussels to establish your atelier, what advantages does this city provide?
Damien Grenay: I moved to Brussels 18 years ago and this city has greatly improved since then. Plenty of empty industrial spaces have allowed for cultural growth and enterprises to flourish.
Maarten de Ceulaer: After finishing my studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven, I felt that I needed to return to Brussels. Though a cosmopolitan city with great museums, good food and night life, it still feels like a big village. Design platforms, from all three Belgian regions: Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels, support fledging designer with exhibitions, competitions and subsidies.
DG: The cost of living is inexpensive compared to Paris or London.
MdC: At the centre of Europe, you can reach these megapolises within two hours, benefit from everything they offer without having to live there.
How did you all come together and find this old factory space?
DG: Maarten and I had to move from our previous atelier.
MdC: It was big but cold and humid. We decided to find something more professional. DG: Searching for a minimal investment with maximal space, we came across a 600-m2 room with 10 meter high ceilings on the top level of an old Belle-Vue beer bottling plant.
MdC: At first, it was too expensive for the two of us and so we found six other creatives to establish Studio With A View.
What did the renovation process entail?
DG: We built eight 20-m2 individual offices to make sure that everyone had their own space to work. MC: V-shaped structures, flanking either side of each studio, were attached to the floor so that they could support a second level mezzanine. Wooden flooring, installed by a dance company that occupied the space before us, was used to divide the offices. Each atelier member was tasked with designing their own exteriors. The combined facades resemble a favella.
What is the nature of your studio, how do you share the space?
MdC: We left the area in front of six large windows open. Though there are five active designers, we never seem to be in production at the same time. This flexible space allows us to expand our personal workspace during different periods. With our personal offices and shared zone, there is enough room for everyone to work side by side.
As photographers, architects and designers, do you ever discuss ideas or collaborate on assignments?
DG: We realize that the studio is simply a shared working space where everyone can develop their own projects. It seems difficult to imagine but perhaps, with a completely new approach, a group project could be possible.
MdC: Personally, I like to get second opinions on my projects every now and again but others only like to show their finished results. Nico Neefs, one of our photographer members, built a white photo wall in the shared space. It’s beneficial to have him around as he shoots all of my work.
What are your plans for Brussels’ Design September? What else are you involved in this month?
DG: My Bloated Collection will be shown at Mint gallery during London Design Festival while Embossed, new leather experiments, will be exhibited in Brussels. Stratus, a new table is going to Paris’ Maison & Objet, as part of the Now! Design à Vivre- Belgium is Design exhibition.
MdC: As I’ve been travelling too much lately, I will not participated in Design September this year. Instead, I am going to focus on developing new prototypes. Studio With A View’s doors will be open to the public on 14 and 15 September.
Photos Nico Neefs, Maarten de Ceulaer
