Pictured above is Rene Tan, who co-founded RT+Q with partner TK Quek in 2003 and is one of the brains behind the LC101 at the National Design Centre.
A quick rundown of the LC101 at the National Design Centre aka the largest showing of Le Corbusier models in Singapore: more than 101 models, 10 Le Corbusier prints and furniture and specially curated by Tan himself. Now, read on to find out about Tan’s obsessions with Le Corbusier, and most importantly, free up time from now till 8th May where it’s showing from 9am to 9pm daily.
Hello Rene, how’s it going?
I’m very happy to be able to contribute to these nice questions.
Can you perhaps, remember the first time you saw a piece of Le Corbusier furniture?
Yes, probably at the Villa Savoye in Paris during my first visit to the villa in the summer of 1995 when I received a travel grant from Syracuse University where i was teaching at that time.
Lithographs by Peter Tay Studio.
What do you think makes Le Corbusier so relevant even in today’s times? I think every magazine editor wants an LC3 armchair, haha.
I think it’s because, as I have said often, Le Corbusier was, first, the personification of the architectural encyclopedia and, second, his designs transcended his time thus is still relevant today.
Is there a reason why a rite of passage for your interns would be that they have to make a Le Corbusier model?
Yes, because the rich legacy of Le Corbusier’s works is a good way to introduce design and architecture to the aspiring young student. The reason is not to fill their minds with ideas and lessons but, instead, to do the opposite — to open them up to different aspects of design — before myopic habits set in.
Do you have a favourite model then?
Not one in particular as they are all ‘favourites’ in their own different ways. I like some for the clarity of their forms, some for the way it captures light and shadow, and others for their ability to surprise.
You mentioned that the expected number of models was higher than expected. How did this come about? And why do you think so?
The collection is always getting larger because the interns are ambitious and they have enjoyed discovering new things and especially works that are not commonly known and works that were never built. Besides, the Le Corbusier archives is immense and exciting to uncover. The discovery of new things is almost archaeological.
Chandigarh Chair, Lithographs by Peter Tay Studio.
Do you perhaps have an example of a project under RT+Q that follows a Le Corbusier school of thought?
Not one in particular, but I do believe most works are imbued somehow with lessons from Le Corbusier. For instance, some bear the undertones of form, some elements of surprise, some for door details, and others of colour and materials.
In my opinion, the somewhat minimal layout of the exhibition works because you come in and really focus on it. No gimmicks or tricks. Would you agree? Also, I’m wondering why the models are laid out in a figure eight or an infinity symbol. Is there a meaning to it?
The interns designed the configuration of the layout; I understand it represents the fluid and self-reflecting nature of the evolution of Le Corbusier’s ouevre.
Lastly, this is a question I usually like to ask people I interview for the first time so if you could humour me with an answer: do you know the #1 song on your Spotify last year?
A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. You are definitely too young for that, haha!
Exhibition image credits Melvin Wong
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