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3mo ago

Kapla Creator Tom van der Bruggen Dies at 80 in France

He conceived a slender plank system after deciding traditional toy bricks were too bulky.

Der Erfinder des Bau- und Konstruktionsspiels Kapla, Tom Van der Bruggen, ist tot. Er starb im Alter von 80 Jahren in Frankreich, wie seine Ehefrau der Nachrichtenagentur AFP mitteilte. Kapla begeistert seit 40 Jahren Kinder und Architekten.
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Kapla-Erfinder Tom Van Der Bruggen ist im Alter von 80 Jahren gestorben.

Overview

  • His wife said he died on Saturday in France at age 80, with the news disclosed on Monday.
  • He founded Kapla in 1987, drawing the name from the Dutch phrase “kabouter plankjes,” meaning little gnome planks.
  • The concept arose as he tried to build a model castle in southern France during his time as an antiques and piano dealer.
  • Over roughly four decades, the planks became a widely used construction toy for children as well as architects.
  • The toy’s success brought him significant wealth, including purchases of a Monaco home and a Rolls-Royce.