Furniture for an Emperor in Transition

Furniture for an Emperor in transition was created for the Unearthing Future group architecture exhibition held by the MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) in Seoul, inside the historic Deoksugung Palace. Created by CL3 Architects Limited, the project began with a theme of the pushcart and its dominance in Asian cities, as well as the story of emperor Gojong, the last King of Joseon and the first emperor of Korea who resided in Deoksugung Palace. Gojong ruled in transition – with the modernization and industrialization of the country and simultaneous diplomatic issues and worries of foreign invasion.

Photo: ⓒKyung Roh, image provided by MMCA

The pieces include formal seating with a canopy, inspired by the imperial throne, a chaise lounge with a Le Corbusier-like profile, a garden storage unit, a bed, and a see-saw piece for recreation. The series of furniture involves four aspects: the ceremonial, the social, the functional, and the playful.

Inspired by imperial carriages (Palanquin) and other traditional Korean furniture, the collection was laid out in ceremonial order in front of Hamnyeongjeon, the hall used for the Emperor’s official duties until 1902, like attendants ready to serve. Adding modern functions, such as desks and storage, implies contemporary life overlapping tradition. The playfulness of some pieces contrasts the somberness of the palace itself.

Photo: ⓒKyung Roh, image provided by MMCA

The courtyards, used as transitional spaces from one building to another, overlap between the ceremonial and the quotidian, between royalty and servants. And so ‘transition’ became the overarching theme of Furniture for an Emperor in transition, a series of mobile furniture pieces designed with wheels and meant to explore mobility, displacement, migration, and the overlap of the service and the served.

Photo: ⓒKyung Roh, image provided by MMCA

Photo: ⓒKyung Roh, image provided by MMCA

Photo: ⓒKyung Roh, image provided by MMCA

Photo: ⓒKyung Roh, image provided by MMCA

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Photo: CL3 Architects Limited

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

You can follow Kelly Beall on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Read all of Kelly Beall's posts.