yong ju lee pixelates melting train for dispersion sculpture

the suin transportation line was opened in 1937 in south korea. almost two decades later in 1995, its railway was shut down. as a result, the younger generation of today barely knows of its existence. however, older people and photographers have many memories of traversing the scenic beach and saltern landscape that could be enjoyed during their commute. located in suin line memorial park, yong ju lee has designed ‘dispersion’ for restoring part of a narrow-gauge train at one end and melting the installation into its surroundings at the other.

the project is located in suin line memorial park

the first sculpture, ‘dispersion 1’, appears as a vehicle that dematerializes and solidifies. depending on the direction from which it is viewed, people are given a new perception of space and time. whole parts are made of one material – stainless steel, which makes a strong contrast to the nature of park with its reflective properties. by its surreal, dispersing figure in the air, the work also provides visual rhythm and whimsy in the context.

the vehicle dematerializes and solidifies

pixelated elevation

front view of dispersion 1

‘dispersion 2’ is developed for regenerating a shape similar to its relative, but focuses on the inside seats. ‘this railway had about 900mm width and people have diverse memories its narrow interior,’ yong recalls. ‘the quality of railway and railbed was not good enough and riding was not comfortable at all. standing passengers had experienced a hard time from shaking. the facing seats were so close that they barely let one person walk through.’ 

in order to recreate this nostalgia, the artwork presents confined horizontal dimensions. at the same time, an old woman’s silhouette has been placed on one side. the designer concludes by saying, ‘demateriality and surreality from stainless steel will provide visual refreshment and amusement. as a part of a series with dispersion 1, dispersion 2 allows unity to environment of suin line memorial park.’

dispersion 2 focuses on the inside seats

an old woman’s silhouette has been placed on one side

elements of dispersion 2

detail view 

patterned environment

unfolded layout 

site plan

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.