In the heart of Seoul’s historic Dongdaemun district, a design revolution is quietly unfolding. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), with its fluid Zaha Hadid-designed architecture, stands as a metallic metaphor for South Korea’s seamless fusion of heritage and innovation. The most recent DDP Design Launching Fair aspires to position Seoul alongside Paris and Milan in the global design constellation. Among the diverse array of exhibitors, Articlier emerges with a collection that mirrors the DDP’s sculptural metalscape, capturing the interplay of aluminum strength and acrylic light.
Articlier, a Seoul-based design studio, bridges the divide between tradition and modernity with furniture that marries the precision of machine fabrication and the soul of handcrafted artistry. Their furniture pays homage to both the restrained elegance of Joseon-era craftsmanship and the functionalist principles of modernist pioneer Poul Kjærholm.
The studio’s production process unfolds in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong district, relying on small-scale workshops and meticulous craftsmanship. Beginning with the selection of premium aluminum, the material is precision-machined with milling and turning equipment before being hand-sanded to achieve a texture reminiscent of finely finished wood. The final anodizing process not only ensures durability but also imbues each piece with subtle tonal variations that shift with the changing light, creating an ever-evolving dialogue between object and environment.
Articlier’s latest collection consists of five meticulously crafted pieces, including tables, shelving, and sculptural lighting, all showcasing a harmonious interplay of metal and translucent acrylic. The CA88 Table features a round, two-tiered assembly. Its layered acrylic surface and sturdy aluminum legs create a multipurpose table with a soft, natural texture that softens the coldness typically associated with metal. The NK3 Shelf and NK4 Shelf, inspired by the chantak of the Joseon Dynasty, reinterpret heritage through a modern lens. Their modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly.
The CL12 Floor Lamp, arguably the most sculptural piece of the collection along with the CL4 Table Lamp, was designed to serve as a statement piece, capable of drawing attention while standing alone without use. Lastly, the RW12 Aluminum Table highlights the raw beauty of anodized aluminum. The precision-machined legs and refined surface bring out the warmth of the metal, allowing it to integrate with wooden or other textured furniture seen frequently throughout Korean homes.
For more information on Articlier, visit articlier.kr.
Photography courtesy of Articlier.
