Architect and interior designer, Vincent van Duysen established his own firm in Antwerp over 20 years ago. Characterised by a preference for simplicity and a penchant for primary forms and compact volumes, van Duysen approaches minimalism with a surprising sensuality. Producing lighting and furniture for the likes of Modular, B&B Italia and Cappellini, van Duysen is well placed to take up this year's Swarovski Crystal Palace commission. Indeed 2010 will be van Duysen's second offering, following the bestselling 'Cascade' from 2003, which featured a column of crystals tumbling onto a table.
Van Duysen, true to fuss-free form, has created a series of glowing 'beams' for his Crystal Palace showcase, 'Frost'. Featuring a series of LED lights encased within thin glass panels, the beams - which come in various lengths - are then encrusted with a refracting layer of Swarovski crystals. Designed to work as a single lighting entity or as a modular part of a larger structure, the beams - despite their outward simplicity - demonstrate remarkable versatility.
