Dutch designer laarman builds a symbiotic future from factory ruins
Joris Laarman isn’t just designing furniture; he’s engineering an ecosystem. From a revitalized former military factory outside Amsterdam, the Dutch designer is merging technology and nature in ways that could redefine urban spaces, one moss-covered bench at a time.
A family’s journey inspires radical design
The impetus for this shift came unexpectedly, during a 2018 family trip to southeastern Australia. Witnessing the raw beauty of the region—and then the devastating impact of the subsequent bushfires—profoundly affected Laarman. The experience spurred a commitment to working with nature, a challenge particularly acute in the densely populated Netherlands. “It was awful, and we were very touched by it,” he recalls, “We just made the decision—okay, let’s try to focus on working together with nature, and also in nature.”
From military hardware to biophilic furnishings
Laarman’s studio itself exemplifies this ethos. Housed within a repurposed factory—originally producing rifles and ammunition—the space now boasts soaring ceilings designed to withstand explosive force (a testament to its past) and a massive wall of windows opening onto an organic garden. He’s assembled a team of 20, fostering a live-work community with 26 families on the Zaandam peninsula, a forested area just outside Amsterdam. Marc Benda of Friedman Benda gallery, who will showcase Laarman’s new work this May, marvels at the transformation: “An artist, a maker, is usually in an industrial setting—here, you’re in the middle of the woods. You’ll see a fox or a deer run by.”
Symbio: concrete that breathes
The latest manifestation of this vision is the Symbio series—outdoor seating crafted from recycled concrete. But this isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about integration. Algorithmic patterns, mimicking coral or fingerprints, are embedded within the concrete, creating channels where moss and other plant life can flourish. The resulting pieces are both aesthetically striking and ecologically restorative. “We’re trying to evolve from focusing on technical things and innovation to actually using technology and merging it with nature to create something new,” Laarman explains. Benda is already envisioning the potential: “With Symbio, you could green an entire city.”
Reimagining plywood: the ply loop
Beyond Symbio, Laarman continues to push the boundaries of material science. His Ply Loop furniture series tackles the environmental concerns surrounding traditional plywood—specifically, the carcinogenic and polluting glues used in its production. The result is a greener composite combining strength, elegance, and recyclability. A balletic shelf from the series, showcased at Design Miami Paris last October, demonstrates this transformation, twisting into what Laarman describes as an “explosive pirouette.”
The synergy of craft and technology
“Technology in itself can be quite boring,” Laarman admits. “But the combination between craft and technology is where design starts to become interesting.” He’s demonstrably proving that point, blending digital fabrication with traditional hand tools to create pieces that are both technologically advanced and undeniably human. As his family and community thrive within the reclaimed factory walls, Laarman’s work offers a compelling glimpse into a future where design isn’t about conquering nature, but harmonizing with it.
The opening of the ZAMU contemporary Art museum nearby in 2026 presents a potential challenge – throngs of visitors could disrupt the studio's tranquility. But Laarman, ever the problem-solver, is already thinking ahead. He’ll find a way to incorporate the influx, just as he’s found a way to transform a former munitions factory into a beacon of sustainable design.