WILLY VAN DER MEEREN, two-tone cabinet for Tubax

Willy Van Der Meeren (1923 - 2002) was a Belgian architect known for his innovative and socially conscious designs. He initially pursued a medical degree at the Catholic University of Leuven in 1942, but after a year, he shifted his focus to architecture. In 1943, he enrolled at the Académie de Bruxelles, but his modernist views clashed with the institution's traditional approach. This led him to transfer to La Cambre in 1944, where he studied alongside some of he leading Belgian modernists of the twentieth century. Van Der Meeren's work was characterized by his interest in construction, mass production and social responsibility. He is regarded as one of the most important post-war furniture designers in Belgium.

His designs are noted for their simple structure, playful yet timeless aesthetics, and their reflection of his social commitment, as they were intended for middle-class housing. Using vibrant colors and subtle elegance, he created furniture that was both functional and inviting. From 1951 to 1958, Van Der Meeren designed a comprehensive range of furniture for the company Tubax in Vilvoorde, Belgium, which specialized in affordable office furniture. To reduce costs, his pieces were made from standardized wooden and steel elements, showing his practical yet stylish approach to modern design.