Flemish interiors

At the Design Museum Gent, “A piece of furniture is also a house” examines interiors, scenography, furniture design, construction history and its relationship with art.

Five architects who all graduated in Gent in 1974/5 – Marie-José Van Hee, Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem, Christian Kieckens and Marc Dubois – can be considered to be the protagonists of a generation. Their work and influence have played an instrumental role in the development of a culture of architecture in Flanders.

"A piece of furniture is also a house", installation view at Design museum Gent, 2016. Photo Phile Deprez

“A piece of furniture is also a house” examines interiors, scenography (stage design) and furniture design. A keen interest in construction history, the relationship with art, and ensuring that things can be manufactured in a logic way are also the basis of their designs for both interiors and furniture. 

"A piece of furniture is also a house", installation view at Design museum Gent, 2016. Photo Phile Deprez

In addition, each of them has selected one or more items from the Design Museum’s collection, guided by their sense of inter-relationship, inspiration or wonder. The result is an exciting constellation in the stylish rooms of the Hotel De Coninck.

"A piece of furniture is also a house", installation view at Design museum Gent, 2016. Photo Phile Deprez
"A piece of furniture is also a house", installation view at Design museum Gent, 2016. Photo Phile Deprez
Marie-José Van Hee, Interieur Woning Du Fossé, Zuidzande, 2006-2011. Photo David Grandorge
Robbrecht en Daem architecten, Tafel ‘TaTisch’ en krukje ‘Joburg Stool’, 2016. Photo: Athos Burez


until 23 October 2016
A piece of furniture is also a house
curated by Katrien Vandermarliere
Design museum Gent
Jan Breydelstraat 5, Gent