donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series

furniture by Donghoon Sohn repurposes fish boxes

 

The Fishbox series by Donghoon Sohn is inspired by the wooden fish boxes from the Busan Cooperative Fish Market, a site of childhood play for him in South Korea’s largest port city. Once used for fish auctions, these boxes are repurposed by market merchants into worktables and stools. Sohn’s design process draws on traditional manual techniques for constructing the fish boxes, addressing the challenges posed by the nails and industrial staplers typically used, which can be hazardous. He also focuses on the drying method to eliminate odors, which mirrors the fish-drying process under the hot sun. The Fishbox series collection features a chair, a high chair, and a side table. 

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series
all images courtesy of Donghoon Sohn

 

 

The series honors the wooden Fishbox craftsmanship

 

Donghoon Sohn highlights the standardized characteristics of the boxes, revealing how material limitations can inspire new forms. The diverse wood species, often twisted and deformed by moisture, become elements that inform the design. Additionally, the letters and numbers inscribed during the distribution process serve as a historical record and an engaging graphic feature, adding to the Fishbox series narrative. As wooden fish boxes decline due to the rise of easier-to-clean plastic alternatives, the Korean designer’s work serves as a tribute to their craftsmanship and cultural significance. While still in use for high-value fish, many boxes are discarded, prompting a sense of urgency to document their legacy.

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series
Donghoon Sohn delves into furniture design inspired by wooden fish boxes

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series
once used for fish auctions, these boxes are repurposed by market merchants

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series
sohn’s design process draws on traditional manual techniques for constructing the fish boxes

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series
Busan Cooperative Fish Market was a site of childhood play for Donghoon Sohn

furniture-series-donghoon-sohn-wooden-fish-boxes-busan-market-09-24-2024-designboom-1800-02

addressing the challenges posed by the nails and industrial staplers typically used

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series
the Fishbox series collection features a chair, a high chair, and a side table.

donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series
revealing how material limitations can inspire new forms

furniture-series-donghoon-sohn-wooden-fish-boxes-busan-market-09-24-2024-designboom-1800-03

the diverse wood species become intriguing elements that inform the design

 

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the letters inscribed during the distribution process serve as an engaging graphic feature
the letters inscribed during the distribution process serve as an engaging graphic feature
many boxes are discarded, prompting a sense of urgency to document their legacy
many boxes are discarded, prompting a sense of urgency to document their legacy
the Korean designer’s work serves as a tribute to wooden fish box craftsmanship
the Korean designer’s work serves as a tribute to wooden fish box craftsmanship
wooden fish boxes decline due to the rise of easier-to-clean plastic alternatives
wooden fish boxes decline due to the rise of easier-to-clean plastic alternatives

project info:

 

name: Fishbox series
designer: Donghoon Sohn | @atelier_sohn

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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