Remembrance
Subin Seol
“Remembrance" is a transformative design project by Korean furniture designer Subin Seol, aiming to immortalize architectural heritage lost through demolition. This unique collection is crafted using salvaged handrails from the now-demolished Fawley Power Station, a notable landmark celebrated for its distinctive Brutalist aesthetic. Once a symbol of regional pride, this cherished site is thoughtfully commemorated through functional design pieces, serving as physical reminders of the architectural legacy.
The collection, composed of a dining chair and coffee table, encapsulates the original aesthetic of the Fawley Power Station. Although the handrails represent just a fragment of the building, they embody its architectural DNA, making each piece a tangible link to the past. The irregular shapes and marks of the handrails are embraced as design features, showcasing the beauty of the building's raw Brutalist aesthetic and history.
Seol's project deviates from traditional methods of remembering demolished buildings, such as photography or videography. Instead, it offers a more intimate interaction with the architectural past through repurposed elements of the original building. This innovative preservation method redefines how we value and remember our architectural heritage.
Moreover, salvaging and repurposing materials underscores the importance of sustainable design. By breathing new life into discarded handrails, the project mitigates environmental impacts associated with new material production and prevents these elements from ending up as landfill waste.
Through this project, Seol echoes a resounding call for preservation and sustainability. Each piece from the "Remembrance" collection is more than just furniture—it's a unique narrative, a tribute to lost architectural heritage, and a catalyst for preserving it for future generations. This concept of material reincarnation posits a thoughtful, innovative solution for retaining our architectural history and preserving it for posterity.