Iconic Design with an Eastern Signature
Kho Liang Ie was born in 1927 in Magelang, in the former Dutch East Indies, to Chinese parents. After Indonesia gained independence, his family moved to the Netherlands in 1949. Following his studies at the Institute for Applied Arts, he worked as an editor and later as editor-in-chief of Goed Wonen magazine. From 1958 onwards, he dedicated himself fully to furniture and interior design.
His breakthrough came in 1963 with the interior design of the Amsterdam Schiphol airport terminal. The modern design, defined by clear sightlines and generous use of glass, gave travelers an open view of the airplanes and helped them easily orient themselves within the space. With its accessible and functional layout, the design remains groundbreaking to this day.
In addition to large-scale projects, Kho Liang Ie created timeless furniture and lighting. His iconic K46 floor lamp is a perfect example of his ability to combine transparency, elegance, and functionality. His work is represented in the collections of renowned museums such as the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen — a testament to his lasting influence and significance in the history of design.
