Concept Summary – The Conversation

 

Change in Gary will come from the people of Gary.

 

Know your neighbor.

 

For anybody at any time.

 

The core idea of this project is a community forum that is accessible to anybody at any time. A distinct point, a disruption in the Gary community fabric that celebrates happenstance and casual conversation. A place with universal access and appeal where many paths can cross and pause – a forum or agora.

A Circle.

A social dynamic that builds up from existing patterns through people who are already coming to ArtHouse – attending programs, banquets, receptions. – through people taking a smoke break, walking the ‘cyan carpet’ to their high school grad reception, a restful pause while walking the dog, a band stand, community meetings, urban lunch break on a sunny day, Easter Morning sunrise service, autographs after the ball game, Tai Chi, lecture series…  the start of a market that begins to activate a dormant parking lot.

 

This circle for gathering is announced and celebrated by the tower – a far reaching exclamation of the value and import of this program. An object of wonderment and a beacon.

 

The tower is a gateway marking the threshold and path between ArtHouse and the parking lot.