2020 brought a series of reckonings that the world was not prepared for. "Unprecedented times" was, and still is, the phrase commonly used for the events that occurred last year. How do we mourn and reflect upon this time period? For this conceptual project, I designed a space that serves a function in aiding movement from one point to the next, but also has a sculptural and reflective ambience.
inspiration images
My inspiration included public monuments and interactive art sculptures, but also public areas such as parks and stairways. I took particular inspiration from duo jeanne-claude and christo's sculptures, as well as the holocaust memorial located in berlin. I envisioned my staircase as a vessel, and wanted the walk to engage users' senses, visually and audibly.
sketches
This public sculpture would most likely take place in Washington D.C., as the set of stairs would be best suited surrounded by greenery, parks, and ambience of the city. The two sets of stairs would be made of concrete, including a large, 30 ft. tall concrete partition down the center, separating people walking on either side. The stairs run north-south, meaning that depending on the time of day, sunlight will be shining on either side of the partition wall as you walk up or down the stairs.
sketchup model
There are seven sets of risers, four risers each, with long gaps of space in between each set of risers. Although not depicted by the model, there would be large squares of fabric hanging on both sides of the partition, adding a sensory element to the journey up and down the stairs. This element would be in conjunction with the sound of footsteps that bounce off the concrete. The repetition of stairs, the sounds of footsteps, the somber ambience of the partition, and the movement that one must make to travel up and down the stairs will create a slightly distorting, yet reflective journey. The stairs invite all users to reflect upon the loss of reality in the past year.
