Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens studied together at the Henry Van de Velde Institute in Antwerp where they both received greatest distinction in 1962. In 1968 they decided to work together. 45 years later they are still partners and as a duo they have added a key chapter to the book of Belgian design and architectural history.
Ever since working together, Ibens and Bataille have gone on to add an awe-inspiring oeuvre to their name, ranging from interior architecture of private residences, over shops and offices to public
spaces. The work of their office has been realized mostly in Belgium, but also in other European countries and the United States.
Besides to architecture, furniture and object design has been a second passion of theirs. It is their ambition to control the interior in the most tiny details that has probably brought them to also design objects. Throughout their entire body of work, they have adopted the golden section, considered a perfect proportion, on which their clearly contemporary objects are inspired by. The result is
a minimalist visual language which continues to be seen as fresh and innovative. Claire Bataille and Paul Ibens achieved a great sensibility for pure shape without being detrimental to functionality.
In the beginning of the 90’s, requests for new designs came from several Belgian manufacturers. Those collaborations became such a great success the duo received a lifetime achievement award from the Belgian organization for interior architects AiNB in 2009. Besides this their projects have been published and exhibited extensively around the world.