Tom van der Bruggen, the Dutch inventor and creator of the iconic Kapla wooden block system, has died in Nice at the age of 80. The news of his death was relayed to the media by the creator's wife, who specified that van der Bruggen passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The designer, who began his adventure with toys by renovating a castle, leaves behind a legacy that has been inspiring young builders and professional architects worldwide for forty years.

Death of an outstanding inventor

Tom van der Bruggen died at the age of 80 in Nice, suffering from heart problems and diabetes.

Genesis of the Kapla system

The idea was born while building a castle model, and the company was officially founded in 1987 in France.

Global legacy

The toy gained recognition from architects and educators thanks to the perfect proportions of pine wood.

The world of toys has lost one of its most visionary creators. Tom van der Bruggen, the founder of the Kapla brand, died at the age of 80 in Nice in southern France. As his wife informed the AFP agency, the direct cause of death was cardiac complications and diabetes. The Dutchman, who was trained as an antiques and piano dealer, created a system of identical pine planks in 1987. This system is based on perfect proportions that enable the construction of impressive structures using only gravity. The origins of Kapla are linked to van der Bruggen's personal project when he settled in France in the late 1960s. While working on a model of his dream castle in Avignon, he discovered that traditional blocks did not allow for the precise rendering of architectural details, such as arches or lintels. This prompted him to develop a universal module, which became the foundation of global success. Although the company, headquartered in the Gironde region, initially needed time to gain market share, Kapla blocks eventually became a standard in preschool and school education, as well as a tool for architects. Van der Bruggen remained an active creator until the end of his life, although he permanently resided in Monaco. His invention, named after the Dutch abbreviation „Kabouter Plankjes” (gnome planks), brought him international recognition. His family emphasizes that his passion for construction and simplicity accompanied him until his final days. The Kapla company continues to operate near Bordeaux, supplying millions of wooden elements to homes and educational institutions on all continents. The designer's death marks the end of an era in the history of European toy craftsmanship. Wooden construction toys are experiencing a renaissance in the 21st century, serving as an ecological alternative to plastic. The Kapla system is unique because, as one of the few, it does not use any connectors, teaching children the basics of physics and statics. „Kapla blocks are not just a toy; they are an introduction to understanding architecture and harmony in space.” — Tom van der Bruggen

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