Building Blocks Project (An ongoing experiment in collective problem solving)
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The Mission of the Building Blocks Project, is to assemble, provide forum, and to cultivate; diverse, individual, and group perspectives for the primary purpose of critical and objective problem-solving. To this end, we will engage important social, political, cultural, environmental, and philosophical issues, in the context of non-partisan, self-represented, expression. We intend to redefine the concept of a protest as a “demonstration” that rallies solutions from a myriad of perspectives. Building Blocks will employ various methods and media to provide alternatives that compliment the sensibilities of individuals to self-express. Thus, creating an egalitarian environment that converges opposition, refines competition, and advocates for equality towards a common productive resolve.
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We are currently looking for the right organization and/or venue to host a Building Blocks Demonstration.
(Please email a request for a proposal to Eric Wong)
(Please email a request for a proposal to Eric Wong)
The goal of the Building Blocks Project is to foster critical thinking globally towards the common aim of solving our own problems. To provide a forum for individuals to voice their concerns and be heard in a productive, and supportive, environment.
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The BBP format emphasizes solution based activism as the primary objective. Hierarchies and partisan presumptions are discouraged and considered obstacles to the goal of finding solutions. Every participant’s concerns and solutions within this think tank are equal.
The BBP exercise, and the temporary acceptance of an opposing view, is in itself a success in problem solving. The process of developing a solution and reserving the natural temptation to accentuate a problem is very difficult. It is even more demanding to recognize an opposing view as equal and worthy of resolution. We want to empower and liberate individuals (including ourselves) from our dependency on leadership and the constraints of the existing social and political systems that divide us. |
BBP 2008, Eastlake High School
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Building Blocks Project (BBP) is an interactive, multimedia, installation and problem solving think tank. Designed to create an environment that stimulates a sensitivity to important human issues and a platform to resolve them. The installation contains various prompts with images and words representing social and political issues on business cards, newspaper cutouts, and video. Participants within the space are invited to engage any concerns they choose within the egalitarian BBP format. Briefly state and describe a “problem” followed by a detailed solution.
Participation may take on many forms in media dependent upon the author’s means of expression. In the past we have provided notebooks and audio recorders placed on tables for more intimate problem solving compositions. Poster boards are mounted on the walls for more demonstrative and often times collaborative participation. A soapbox stage with two microphones are provided for more vocal and performative expression. This amplified alternative is meant to foster debate within the BBP format. One person’s solution is another person’s problem, which must be addressed with an emphasis on their solution. A BBP debate is more of a dialogue between parties with the intention of finding a mutual solution. Competition is an inhibitor within this format and consensus is unnecessary. Within this structured environment, every individual’s concerns matter. There are no opposing sides, it is only the problems that divide us. In the future we would like to include digital media such as iPads, digital recorders, a BBP application, and website with a solutions database. Separatism is the source of all social and political problems. It opposes unity, equality, and prevents objectivity, resolution. |
BBP 2008, Solutions Boards
BBP 2008, Ruth Chapman Theater
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The Building Blocks Project 2008 edition took place in the Ruth Chapman Theater at Eastlake High School in San Diego, CA. We were invited by Instructor Lonny Wood to collaborate over a two-day demonstration with students and instructors. The demonstration was again concurrent with the Presidential Elections, which we projected silently in the theater. Over two complete school days, students and teachers assembled in the theater in cycles. This was later followed by an experimental online problem solving session with Wood’s classes.
Demonstration and installation in 2008 by Eric Wong, Marianne Goyette, and in collaboration with Lonny Wood and the students of Eastlake High School.
Building Blocks Project was created in 2004.
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We were invited by artist Tony Allard to do an installation for the “Art Around Adams” event in San Diego, CA. The installation was in one of four car wash stalls on Adams Avenue. The concept was inspired by the very charged social, political, and economic climate, of the time that was exacerbated by the Presidential Elections. We were especially fascinated and yet disturbed by the reactions to these issues and the out pour of propaganda in the media. The dominant issue being the war in Iraq and the economy. The course of rhetoric at all levels was irrationally divisive and appeared to simply prolong and magnify the problems. Though, the discourse was passionate, it was clouded with partisanship, separatism, and conflict. This seemed to be a recurring problem that affects individuals and nations in every aspect of their lives. We spend more time blaming and arguing with each other, and dependent on someone else, “the specialist”, a leader to solve all of our problems. We felt there was a need for a new kind of activism. We wanted to create a thought provoking and neutral public think tank. An installation that fostered collective and objective problem solving. A new format that re-configures a political demonstration and debate.
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