CHANGING THE CITY

http://www.dnidizajnu.pl/pl/2015/program/wystawy/zmieniam-miasto

A certain mother, who often went for walks with her little son, decided to change the city for her blind friend. First, she built a rope park, which wasn’t the best idea because her friend was a bit scared to go in, but the older children were very happy. Then she came up with a fountain, which brought joy to the elderly ladies, and a fenced area for dogs in the park so her blind friend wouldn’t trip over a running dog without a leash or step on a surprise in the grass. Then she got carried away with her ideas and built a stadium, which delighted all the athletes and sports fans in the city. Of course, she remembered to include ramps for wheelchairs so she could easily take her son to the stadium. To reduce the number of cars on the streets that made it difficult for her to walk with a stroller, she had underground parking lots built. Above them, she planted thousands of trees that provided plenty of fresh air for all the city residents; many birds made their homes there, increasing their number in the city.

Just like the mother in the story, you too can let your imagination run wild and change the city. You might ask the questions: why change the city and how to do it? Of course, to make life better for the residents: for children and adults, for a lady with a cane and a man in a wheelchair, for cyclists and car drivers… You might be wondering if children can change the city? Every change starts with thinking, and you are certainly capable of thinking. You know what is good for you and what is good for others. Therefore, children should participate in changing the city, ask questions, seek answers and solutions. At our exhibition, we will collectively consider who the city residents are, what their needs are, and what can be done to improve their lives. We will play games, tell stories, and have a great time.

The exhibition consists of four parts. The first part is an icon board, which are graphic signs symbolizing: residents, places in the city, and solutions that can change the city. The second part is city building. You know what a city is made of, so you can create a city that is good for its residents. The third part is storytelling. Do you know the game Story Cubes? If so, everything is clear. If not, I will give you a hint about what it’s about. You roll 9 cubes, and on the cubes, you will find icons. Now you need to create a story using the concepts from the cubes. Your story should start with the words: I am changing the city for… You can also choose which icons will be useful in your story instead of rolling the cubes. The fourth part of the exhibition is the fun of building the ideal city. While constructing your creations, please remember the theme of the exhibition: how what you have built can help the residents of the city.

Curator: Ewa Solarz

Scenography and graphic design: Marta and Lech Rowińscy (beton)

The project is funded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage