The last Souper in 2015 was with the designers Christoph Seyferth and www.vincentderijk.nl Vincent de Rijk.] In restaurant Huson we mainly talked about the difference between design and architecture.

Christoph and Vincent design and produces products, furniture and spatial objects. They experiment with different materials in construction techniques, shapes and ways of finishing materials. Both gentlemen tell with lots of fun about their craftsmanship. The products are sold worldwide and users all seem happy after buying a bowl, a chair or a closet. They have a desirable autonomy.

We are, as architects and urban designers are dependent on one or more clients. Users require a prominent role in the design process. The line-up of consultants, suppliers and (sub) contractors with whom we must work together is impressive.

The distance between a designer and architect is great. A craftsman versus a process manager. A teddy bear versus a cold one. We have needed a whole night to indicate the differences well. In a one of the next Soupers we have to look at the possible similarities.

Daan Bakker (Daf-architecten), Jeroen de Willigen (DeZwarteHond), Jasper de Haan (architect) and I invite each month a number of colleagues to eat, drink and discuss about our profession, the city of Rotterdam and related matters.