Design
The basic concept of Dialogue in Silence consists of a series of circular rooms dedicated to the different aspects of non-verbal communication. The walls are covered with a light fabric, which not only absorbs sound, but by providing a monochrome background also neutralizes the rooms. The visitor’s visual concentration is not distracted, so that he can give his full attention to the deaf guide and the various situations within the exhibition. The wall covering makes the existing room “dissolve”, giving the visitor the impression that he is moving in a “space apart” which he has to fill with life. The visitors will be fitted with highly effective individual sound proofing systems and they will be taken through the exhibition in groups of 12.
Since it has to be assumed that the visitors are not familiar with sign language, the exhibition has to be understood non-verbally. The various stations are dedicated to different aspects of non-verbal communication: facial expression, body language, gesture and signing. The last station is a bar, where the newly acquired skills will be used, supported by multi-medial learning programmes.
The exhibition is divided into the following sections:
Foyer
The visitors get a short briefing and turned over to their deaf guide, who introduces him-/herself and leads the group to the first stage.
Invitation to silence
The visitors are confronted with a dark corridor full of noise and chaos. The corridor ends in a silent lighten room. Individual sound proofing is distributed and the rules are conveyed by mime and gesture.
Dance of hands
The group stands around a circular table. The deaf guide encourages the participants to loosen up and with finger exercises to explore the possibilities of manual expression.
Gallery of faces
Here the visitors find a rotunda of height adjustable frames. Gradually, with the help of the deaf guide, the frozen faces become mobile and discover their possibilities of expression.
Forum of figures
This room is dedicated to body language. The participants are trying to express him/herself via his/her body. A conversation starts.
Play of signs
The group is divided into two teams who are to play against each other. The play of signs begins. The guide points to a picture on the wall, and the groups have to determine the corresponding sign. The communication among the group member lead to solutions.
Bar of silence
Here, the visitors can try out and complete their competence in non-verbal expression. Drinks and small snacks can be ordered by mime, gesture or signing. Multi media terminals allow them to look up certain vocabulary and use these in communication.
→ Have a look at the exhibition in the Israeli Children's Museum - Holon