In collaboration with Declan Dill, Daniel Meroze, Yiwei Shi, and Nuo Xu
With only 36 hours and some larger balloons, rope, and tape, and other things we found in the trash, our task was to make a quick, dynamic installation that responds to some sort of social question.
The two participants (one from WashU and one from the greater community) are seated between the pillars defining a confined space within a space and visually separated by the architecture draping between them. We used preexisting spatial conditions, connection points, and furniture (such as the roller board), to create two distinct entries into the participation area. Using a system of tension cables and cinched folds, the form subdivides the space into a choice-based path for the user.
The space is defined by a sequencing of four thresholds to develop levels of interiority: the community member outside, the decision to join a conversation/observation space, mediation, and participation. The mediator and observers are encouraged to speak to these participants directly, allowing a third party to frame the conversation. We aim to alleviate tension and make a more interpersonal connection between the participants by encouraging many vantage points. Afterward, the mediator uses the pulley system to lift a balloon, unveiling the participants to each other. Finally, the participants exit into a congregation area.
