Lausanne’s mudac, the museum of design and contemporary applied arts, is inaugurating its newly renovated exhibition space, “Le Carré,” with a focused look at the furniture designs of Swiss architect Jean Tschumi. The exhibition, running from February 26 to April 25, 2026, centers on pieces Tschumi created for Le Cèdre, the headquarters of Vaudoise Assurances in Lausanne. This presentation of Jean Tschumi’s design work offers a rare glimpse into a lesser-known facet of the architect’s prolific career.
Tschumi, renowned for his architectural masterpieces, approached Le Cèdre as a “total work of art,” integrating architecture, art, and design into a harmonious whole. The building itself, characterized by its transparency, lightness, and openness, served as the foundation for a cohesive design philosophy. The exhibition showcases both the original furniture pieces, carefully preserved by Vaudoise Assurances, and newly reissued versions created in collaboration with Swiss studio Large-GAME and manufactured by Girserger, a Swiss furniture maker founded in 1889.
A Restoration Project Brings Tschumi’s Vision to Life
The reissuing of Tschumi’s furniture designs is directly tied to the ongoing restoration of Le Cèdre. Vaudoise Assurances commissioned BIG-GAME to recreate the pieces specifically for the site, ensuring the continuation of Tschumi’s original intent. The exhibition at mudac provides a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the original designs with their contemporary counterparts, highlighting the craftsmanship and enduring quality of Tschumi’s vision. The furniture on display includes armless chairs, a round marble and iron table, an office chair, and a small table – each piece reflecting Tschumi’s commitment to both functionality and aesthetic elegance.
The exhibition isn’t simply a display of furniture; it’s a deep dive into the creative process behind these designs. Extensive documentation, including photographs, films, and archival documents, traces the genesis of the project and reveals Tschumi’s thinking. Visitors will gain insight into the architect’s approach to space, form, and the integration of design elements within a larger architectural context. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a holistic understanding of Tschumi’s work beyond his celebrated buildings.
The Significance of Le Cèdre
Le Cèdre, as a project, represents a significant chapter in Tschumi’s career. His design for the Vaudoise Assurances headquarters wasn’t merely about creating a functional workspace; it was about crafting an environment that fostered creativity, collaboration, and a sense of well-being. The furniture played a crucial role in achieving this goal, complementing the architectural features and contributing to the overall atmosphere of the building. The attention to detail evident in both the architecture and the furniture underscores Tschumi’s dedication to creating a truly integrated and harmonious design.
The mudac exhibition highlights the importance of preserving and reinterpreting architectural heritage. By reissuing the furniture, Vaudoise Assurances demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of Tschumi’s original vision for Le Cèdre. The collaboration with BIG-GAME and Girserger ensures that these designs will continue to be appreciated and utilized for generations to approach. This project serves as a model for how to thoughtfully approach the restoration of iconic buildings and the preservation of their associated design elements.
Beyond the furniture itself, the exhibition offers a broader exploration of Tschumi’s design philosophy. His work often challenged conventional notions of space and form, and his designs were characterized by a rigorous yet nuanced approach. The exhibition at mudac provides a valuable opportunity to understand the principles that guided Tschumi’s work and to appreciate the lasting impact of his contributions to the field of architecture and design.
The opening of “Jean Tschumi Designer” coincides with the inauguration of mudac’s new exhibition space, Le Carré. This new space is designed to host focused exhibitions that delve into specific aspects of design and contemporary art. The choice of Tschumi’s furniture as the inaugural exhibition underscores mudac’s commitment to showcasing innovative and influential design work. The museum aims to provide a platform for exploring the intersection of art, architecture, and design, and to foster a deeper understanding of the creative process.
Tickets for the “Jean Tschumi Designer” exhibition are available through the mudac website. The exhibition runs from February 27 to April 26, 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the work of a master architect and designer. Further information about the exhibition and related events can be found on the lausannemusees.ch website.
The mudac is located on the ground floor of the main building, with views overlooking the park. Visitors can expect a thoughtfully curated exhibition that provides a comprehensive overview of Tschumi’s furniture designs for Le Cèdre, along with valuable insights into his creative process and design philosophy. The exhibition promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar in Lausanne, attracting design enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
Looking ahead, mudac plans to continue utilizing Le Carré to host a series of focused exhibitions exploring various aspects of design and contemporary art. The museum’s commitment to showcasing innovative and influential work positions it as a leading cultural institution in the region. Updates on future exhibitions and events will be posted on the mudac website.
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