Addressing issues like crime, numerous abandoned houses, significant socio-economic disparities, communication barriers, and language differences in Milan’s Umbria-Molise-Calvairate community, this project aims to resonate with residents and strengthen community cohesion. By fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and recognition among residents, the community is envisioned to evolve into a more prosperous and secure environment in the future.
Therefore, “A Long Song for the Past, An Echo Story for the Present” delves into the relationships between individuals, utilizing residents’ second-hand chairs as a bridge to strengthen community ties. These chairs are not just furniture but key elements in realizing the “Theater of Home” concept, as they are common in homes and carry the rich stories and emotions of each family.
A unique aspect of this project is the specially designed interaction led by long-standing residents to better integrate newcomers into the community. The exhibit uses red lines as a symbolic design element to connect each piece, resembling the red threads of life that link memories across different eras to current realities, providing visual and sensory continuity. The exhibition space is transformed into a theatrical setting, paced in the structure of a drama divided into six stages: exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This setup allows visitors to navigate through various stories and times, acting both as audience and participants, presenting a silent yet profound theatrical performance.
The climax of the exhibit, the trading segment, particularly highlights the “Theater of Home” theme. In this part, long-term residents share their chairs and the stories behind them, guiding new residents to understand the community’s history and culture, while the exchange of chairs symbolizes acceptance and welcome of new members. This storytelling and exchange not only deepen the understanding and connection between residents but also enhance the sense of identity, belonging, and recognition within the community, fostering cross-cultural and cross-linguistic communication.
Thus, “A Long Song for the Past, An Echo Story for the Present” is not merely an exhibition but an experience, a journey, an exploration. It promotes communication and understanding among residents, helps newcomers integrate more quickly into the community, and aims to break down barriers to establish a more harmonious and safe community environment.