Introduction:
I was sitting in my Sociology class one day when my professor said something about Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.” I instantly remembered something I had learned a long time ago in one of my English classes. While researching this poem I came upon an image that most people do not get when they read this poem; an image of equality through opportunities.
The poem clearly states “though as for the passing there had worn them about the same, and both that morning equally lay..” The road he later calls less traveled is actually the road equally traveled. No matter what road he would have chosen he would look back and say the same thing. So doesn’t that mean no matter what road you choose, that it is the one you are meant to take? Whether it’s the right path or wrong path?
As I was trying to come up with a visual language for my concept, I stumbled upon the idea of using an algorithm. An algorithm is described as a self-contained step-by-step set of operations that is preformed. They can be expressed within a infinite amount of space and time and sometimes incorporate random input. Along with your path in life, it’s not about searching for your purpose or the right answer, it’s about the act of allowing. Step-by-step you let go of what you think should be and allow what is meant to be.
In college you look at your life and question everything. You are presented with so many different paths and opportunities in life. This can be a very scary thing for most people. But you just have to remember, you are meant to be here in the moment. Whatever path you chose is the one you are meant to choose. It’s not about choosing your path wisely, it’s about learning from the paths you have taken.
Statement:
The Jarvis Hall project addresses the problems people face in everyday life, ‘Choosing their path.’ The design exists on the wall, floor, and ceiling. This signifies the many different paths that will come from an assortment of directions. As you move throughout the space it is intended for the viewer to feel overwhelmed with the amount of paths that lay in front, next to and even above you. You may try and follow a specific path and find yourself at a dead-end, but you have the opportunity to learn from your mistakes and take another path that may lead you in the right direction.