Charlotte Jonckheer

Belgian designer Charlotte Jonckheer was born in Antwerp in 1988. She studied at the Design Academy Eindhoven, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the Man and Well-Being department in 2014. She also holds a fashion degree from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Ghent. Alongside her studies, in 2012, the young designer interned for renowned artist and ‘body architect’ Lucy McRae. After graduating, Jonckheer moved back to Antwerp, where she established her eponymous studio in 2015.

Jonckheer’s conceptual practice begins with an investigation of the interaction between a person and their living environment. Her pieces are sparked by observations of human behavior and tend to focus on the emotional value of the design object. Pieces like the Pas Perdus Rug (2016) are designed not only to intrigue the viewer, but also to catalyze a relationship or interaction between the piece and the user. In the case of Pas Perdus, the long rug is designed for people who are anxious or waiting and is designed for pacing up and down. It is intended to be explored barefoot, and the combination of materials—including horsehair, wool, cotton, and chenille—in various lengths and patterns creates a tactile experience that privileges touch over sight; stimulating senses that are usually subjugated. The rug is hand-tufted and was developed at the TextielMuseum in Tilburg. The work was well received and saw Jonckheer named a finalist of the Vitrine pour un Designer prize in 2016.

Jonckheer’s work has been shown at Milan Design Week (2016), Operae (2017, 2016), and at the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, amongst others. She continues to live and work in Antwerp.