A singular figure, an independent thinker, an integral part of the Dutch architecture scene while remaining at the same time a case apart, Wiel Arets doesn’t follow trends, nor can he be easily classified. A key proponent of the ontological rather than representational approach to architecture (K. Frampton), his work tends towards a regularity of parts, without being minimalist in the reductive sense. It involves a high level of intellectual complexity whilst also being very concrete, and aims at the majority of people with modesty and attention. A master of materials both in their crudest and also in their most surprisingly refined form, unlike many of his colleagues the central premise of his architecture does not reside in the sculptural or iconic elaboration of form, but tends towards a condensation and intensification that creates the special aura of Lightness and Consistency that characterizes his work.
Wiel’s interest in product design began with an invitation to participate in the “Tea & Coffee Towers” project (2003). In April 2007, he presented his design “The Alessi Dot Bathroom”: a new complete scenario of the bathroom we created together with the Hispanic-Swiss Laufen (for sanitary ware and furnishings) and the Finnish Oras (for faucets). His various designs are in the final stages of development and will be presented in 2008. It’s now clear that we are talking about a designer from whom we can expect great things in the coming years.
