About us
ECHOES by MAN x STOONIE
is an interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, interior architects and a furniture maker. Initiators Olivier (MAN architecten) and Toon (STOONIE) have known each other for over 30 years since they’ve met in second grade with Miss Monica.
Olivier has been active in interior & architecture for 20 years, graduated from Sint-Lucas, started MAN architecten with Bas Wauman 12 years ago.
Toon has been active in the design and implementation of custom furniture since 2019 under the name STOONIE.
In 2023, the idea of a collaboration emerged, of the creation/start of a collective and our own line of furniture/objects where design is immediately linked to execution and where especially that different backgrounds and disciplines come together. The intention is to do that collectively in the future to expand further.
The idea is to shape spatial designs without a client, but from your own vision, interests and abilities. At the end of 2024 we will launch the first three pieces of furniture that are the product of constant design, sketching, consultation, prototyping, ...
"Know your history" is our mantra. We believe that understanding history is essential to placing designs in their broader historical, cultural and social context. Our objects are inspired by leading designers and architects, and we cherish a passion and enthusiast to honor these inspirators with our projects and subtly tell a piece of history. We want to cover that load with “ECHOES”, but the name also stands for action-reaction and for dynamics.
At the same time, we want to pay sufficient attention to contemporary themes and issues now and in the future developments such as circularity and technology and how we can work on this at our scale. Like this there are contacts with colleges and universities to discuss options for 3D printing and lens development integrated lighting.
We strive to create micro-architecture that goes deeper than mere aesthetics; it is soaked with a profound meaning and a commitment to functionality that has a tangible impact on space. Whether it comes from a purely design-oriented source of inspiration or a critical one architectural vision, our objects are imbued with an underlying idea that justifies their design.
When creating these objects we adhere to the principle that aesthetics is not subjective, but rather represents a universal characteristic of beauty: 'Something is beautiful when nothing can be added or taken away without making it worse'. This philosophy drives us to create objects & designs that are not only visually appealing, but also serve a purpose and enrich the space in which they are located.
Our intention is to initiate an interdisciplinary collaboration and to launch a series of representative pieces. With this we want to open the door for collaborations with other disciplines, such as ceramists, shoe designers, leather workers and even green designers. This is how we strive to push boundaries to break through and explore new possibilities in the design landscape.
Everything is currently designed & produced in Sint-Niklaas, Ghent (Belgium). As we launch we keep up close to ourselves and our branding and the materialisation/versions of the furniture are the translation of that idea. We certainly don't just design for the 'happy few'.
ECHOES is the added value to our other bussinesses such as MAN architecten and STOONIE. We believe in collaboration and creative entrepeneurship.
From the 7th of november members of MAN architecten also launch Rosso, an new venue-restaurant in Sint-Niklaas where some pieces will be placed.