the doors
While doing the prototypes, we realized that we had to decide a new way of making the frame stand. None of the earlier ideas worked properly.
So we spoke to Jackson about this and he suggested to use the following method:
FRAME 1
Our first frame (and fifth) has spokes of varying lengths attached to a rotating unit along the vertical frame of the structure. Each unit has four spokes. A protester or police officer needs to rotate these spokes in such a way that they create a wider opening for the person to walk through.
frame 2
Our second frame (and fourth) has a rotating door, but to push it open, they first need to find the key to unlocking it. On either side of the frame, are spokes; upon each is a key that the participant could use, if he or she deems it. Our concept for this door is that the key to solving a problem is not always obvious, and is certainly not always the first one you see. To unlock the door, one merely has to unstopper it at the points on which the door rotates
frame 3
As both participants reach the third door, a bell is attached to the frame, where, in case one of the participants is a bit earlier than the other, he or she can ring the bell. This idea was based on the concept of knocking – of asking for permission to be invited in. Once a response is received, the doors can be opened, and our masked protester and officer can meet, and hopefully realize that they are not so different from each other. This exercise is to provide a space where people can also try to break barriers of prejudice, and ignorance. Based on the concept that people are more likely to listen to those who think like them, hence similar masks are worn (i.e. you tend to accept a person who is similar to you). This third frame was inspired by Janus, the Romans god of doorways. He presides over beginnings and endings, war and peace, past and future. He is often depicted with two heads, one facing forward, the other backwards, which compelled us to use two doors in one frame. Janus is the lord of transitions, and therefore we hope through this exercise for a resolution by peaceful means.
The third door, the middle frame, has two doors, where the two participants from the opposing parties finally meet.
The third door, the middle frame, has two doors, where the two participants from the opposing parties finally meet.
So far, the making was frustrating, tiring, maddening, annoying, exasperating but also very satisfying. I was very happy and content to finish the three doors as planned(I'm sure my teammates will agree with me)