Darkness and Light

            There is an Abyss. Within this abyss, there lies transcendental darkness. Here in the darkness always lurking, there lies hate, racism, everything immoral and evil. Here one can sense the foul disposition in the air. Wherever one turns to it, all seems to lead to darkness, but there is a small faint glimmer of light even within the darkness. This light attracts all who lay eyes upon it like a moth to a flame and caresses a gentle warmth to those who come close enough to it. The light symbolizes hope, equality, and all things free.

Our project aims to construct an experience that expresses this notion by manipulating lighting and sighting by using concrete, glass, and steel. The site divides into two different sections, with both chambers controlling space, lighting, and perspective.

In the first half of the site, a labyrinth exists, cutting through the land, symbolizing the confederate history that was once. This artificial space metaphorically represents outdated preconceived confederate subjectivity. This section symbolizes the darkness that one must transverse to reach the light at the end of the tunnel, attaining a symbolic representation of freedom.

           The second portion of the site includes a path that extends to a pavilion. Upon reaching this metaphorical freedom at the pavilion, one experiences a beautiful view of the site and exciting lighting and cast shadows through the open roof and fenestration of the façade.

For the erection of our project, we decided to implement the concept of duality. Wherever there’s light there must be dark. In conveying this notion, we decided to combine our concepts to enhance the human experience within the space. We came together to create two separate experiences dividing the space according to the journey and life that Harriet Tubman once leads and the destination. For the first half of the project, we decided to construct a labyrinth using walls that form barriers that shift and contort. Once following whichever path, you decide to choose you enter an open space with a garden. One travels through this man-made space metaphorically symbolizing the confederate preconceived subjectivity. After trekking through this metaphorical darkness at the end of the tunnel once you reach this freedom of confederate subjectivity you’re welcome to an inviting open space with seating and a garden. This space symbolizes the blossoming of life. The freedom of deciding to live oneself. The second half of the concept which is above the ground symbolizes freedom and being above the deeply rooted concepts of racism within the country.