Jukeboats

Collaboration with Robert Schaffer & Edward Sheng | Shenk-Woodman Competition

The project frames gentrification as the relationship between two groups of people that co-exist in a given space. Typically, the drastic scenario is defined by either the local group adapts or the incoming group replaces. This project proposes an alternative scenario where through popular media, two different groups of people can enjoy being in the same space over time despite their differences. Attached underwater, each pair of jukeboats welcomes two groups into separate dance chambers. The imagery and sounds played within and on the exterior surface of the boats is defined by both participating groups. Through the enjoyment of familiar and unfamiliar music preferences, the two groups are eventually asked if they would like to “merge” into one party. At this point each group must decide if they would like to be a part of a larger party or remain on their own. Through the potential of these two dance chambers merging, the project fosters the possibility of new dialogues between both locals and visitors of Manayunk that can convey that we are more alike than different, and that it is up to us to decide if we want to engage in experiences that while initially awkward, can yield positive results.