Contract - March 2011 - (Page 37)

Some spaces in the barracks building were left spare intentionally (left, middle), while others were populated with artifacts from the period of time that Angel Island functioned as an immigration center and detainee facility (opposite top). The entire barracks was faithfully restored, even down to the details of the lavatories (below). This wall damaged by neglect or vandalism (left) contained verses of poetry, which were etched into a glass display just in front of the wall. Focusing the exhibit design in certain rooms and intentionally leaving others more bare, Quan set about recreating the Angel Island detainee experience—numbering as many as 200 to 600 at a time. The careful placement of period artifacts—from bedding and clothing to games, furniture, and dinnerware—recreate the scene of daily life at the center, while pictorial and text explanations throughout the three floors of the barracks provide explanation. “It puts you back in the shoes of someone who was there,” notes Wong. “It evokes a lot of powerful emotions.” But the real focus of the restoration was the more than 200 poems carved in walls and some floors throughout the barracks building. ARG conducted a detailed investigation of the poems, including documentation of their locations and condition, analysis to determine their component materials, and research into the most appropriate methods of conservation. Interior walls containing poems were cleaned and preserved, and repairs were made to the building to insure their ongoing preservation. Translations were copied to exhibits placed throughout the barracks. “The poetry mostly is about [the detainees’] experiences,” says Quan. And while detainees were not mistreated, their writings do convey a lack of cultural understanding about their plight, according to Petrin. Hyland adds,” The poems express sorrow and frustration about why they were being held.” Tom maintains that, “This project was extremely important. It was one of the most important projects anyone can be involved in.” And in fact since the restoration of Angel Island began, some of the attitudes toward incarceration there have shifted from shame to pride for having played a role in this important piece of history. “Once the physical remnants are gone, the memories of these experiences can be lost,” says Hyland. “We worked hard to preserve the physical structure, but what we were really trying to do is preserve the memory.” With that accomplished, the lessons learned cannot be far behind. For a project source list, see page 62 or visit www.contractdesign.com. www.contractdesign.com contract march 2011 37 http://www.contractdesign.com http://www.contractdesign.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - March 2011

Contract - March 2011
Contents
Editor’s Note
Industry
Resources: Design Collaborations
Focus: This Little Light of Mine
Practice: Global Consensus
Green: Thinking Inside the Box
Poetry Lessons
Community Asset
Book Light
Reel Genius
Fresh Start
A Tree Saved in Brooklyn
Designers Rate: Guest Seating
Sources
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - March 2011