Oostrum, Ben

Ben Oostrum (1960) studied sculpture at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. As a designer, it is this background that distinguishes him from the other designers. Oostrum: '˜My approach is different. Most designers start from a package of requirements, and I use form and shape as a point of departure.' But to Oostrum, design is not the only thing that is important. Design and function must be in balance. '˜I hate things like a beautiful chair that is uncomfortable, as well as an ugly chair that is comfortable.' When Oostrum designed the Jenever Bottle he collaborated with Jan Melis under the name of MNO, but now his studio is called BOO | Ben Oostrum Ontwerpt. BOO focuses mainly on the design of interior products, such as furniture, lighting and accessories.