#21: Thoughts of Evolution
I find myself entering a period of rumination on what how the project should develop next. I’ve managed to surmise the key points of learning from the last interventions:
– Build a structure to house the library.
– Put more consideration on the design of the space, heighten the sense of entering a sacred space of reflection.
– Include more storytelling.
– Include more explicit mindfulness techniques.
I can imagine where the project is heading, a large space that allows the participants to really explore and discover their archetypal journey, full of audio and visual elements and little bits of puppetry. However it’s probably not practical to try and jump to that vision straight away. It’s currently beyond my means to transport and store that kind of structure, though I am putting plans in place to address these logistical hurdles.
I had an idea to potentially include a space called The Story Machine. Where the participants would be told a story just for them, based upon the archetypes they have chosen in The Library. It would be a small paper theatre populated by the different characters, places and tools from the selection of archetypes, operated by a puppeteer hidden from view.
But it would be better I think to aim for a stepping stone before that final goal; a scaled down version that is within my means to build, transport and store. So I am considering the kind of structure The Library needs. But it is also making me interrogate the kind of experience I want the participants to have, as form and function should be intertwined in it’sconception.
I think I am settling on building a small sacred space that looks like a cross between a shaman’s yurt and a small chapel. This will be designed based on my research into traditional sacred architecture. It will be a numinous and peaceful place that makes the participants feel safe and guides them into a state of presence.
Inside the books will be housed and there will be space for the participants to reflect on themselves and select their archetype cards to fill up their story books. I am also thinking about building a smaller antechamber that attaches on to the main space, just big enough for one person to sit in. This will be where the participants can listen to one of four Revelations: A short story based around one of four Principal Archetypes, Love, Truth, Time and Endings (or Death). The design of the space will be similar to a shrine, there will be space for the participants to lay out the archetype cards they have chosen as they listen to the audio, at the end they will be guided in a short meditation to bring them into the present moment. This will emphasise the importance of separating oneself from their thoughts which is an important element in managing mental wellbeing. As they leave they will be encouraged to continue the practise of laying out their cards and meditating in the hope that they will develop a mindful practise that will provide them with a tool for dealing with their mental health the future.
My next step is to mock up a small model of the structure, to give me a better idea of how it will look and how it will work.
As a side note, I’m very excited about including stained glass windows in the design. I’ve always loved stained glass, but last weekend I went on a workshop to learn how to make it and now I have a new craft obsession! I’ve bought myself some tools and I’m going to start practising – watch this space!