Space unites. Space creates. Space separates. Space sorts.
“Space unites. Space creates. Space separates. Space sorts.” is a thought-provoking installation series that communicates provocatively. The series comprises five installations that encourage viewers to observe and sense the discrimination prevalent in public spaces. Each installation strives to cultivate empathy and awareness concerning various groups experiencing daily discrimination in public areas.
Agency
Art Academy of Latvia
Practice Area
Client
Art Academy of Latvia, Bachelor thesis
Industry
The Challenge
Each installation enabled viewers to feel, see, and understand the daily discrimination faced by others. The installations were emotionally provocative, honest, and enlightening. The most challenging aspect was obtaining feedback from viewers and observing their emotional reactions. The dialogue and interactions made by the installations proved to be the most emotionally challenging part.
Project Vision
The project’s vision was to openly speak about discrimination factors in public spaces. It aimed to highlight that public spaces that are society’s common spaces are often suitable and accessible only to a part of society.
Installation “Form or Function?” in the public building represents environmental inaccessibility by highlighting stairs and offering wheelchair for trial.
Mrs. Inese Klavina
“Fresh Air Zone” installation. On daily this area is full of smoke, but now it welcomes to sit and relax in fresh air.
Mrs. Inese Klavina
Design + Execution
Project was created in close cooperation with representatives of the design department of the Latvian Academy of Arts. We looked for the ways how we can use design as a tool to speak about the discrimination problem in Latvia and to be heard! Presented discrimination factors and installations were based on people’s experiences and stories. An anonymous survey was conducted, and the answers of more than 200 respondents were collected and analyzed.
For the realization of the project, the author formed an technical team and organized sponsorships.
“Fresh Air Zone” installation modules modules are adorned with quotes from conversations with individuals for whom cigarette smoke poses significant health risks.
Mrs. Inese Klavina
“Friend or Enemy?” installation explores the impact of space on physical and mental health, emphasizing factors like light, sound, air quality, furniture, and layout ergonomics.
Mrs. Inese Klavina
Installation module or unstable bench is adorned with quotes from conversations with individuals who have faced discrimination by physical space.
Mrs. Inese Klavina
“System of Comfort and Human Values” installation focuses on sex-segregated restrooms, positioned near their entrances.
Mrs. Inese Klavina
The installation modules opens the system for the restroom division based on facilities and equipment rather than gender.
Mrs. Inese Klavina
Project Details
This student was able to effectively blend sleek design with social discrepancies across the built environments. Brightly colored interventions of tactical urbanism bring attention to issues often unseen by the abled body.
These deceptively simple installations are beautiful but also arresting and intriguing. Their construction and execution clean lines, extremely cohesive color, beautiful type make the elements stand out even in visually busy environments. It’s very impressive to see a constructed student project so well executed.
Design Team
Sabine Vartina-Liepina (author, project manager)
Ieva Lace-Luksevica (project supervisor)
Edgars Liepins (technical director)
Collaborators
Wood Point LLC (wood materials)
AK12 LLC (metal materials)
Photo Credits
Mrs. Inese Klavina
Open Date
May 2023