My final prototype features a totem pole in the center of Columbus Circle in order to recognize the native people, rather than Columbus. Each animal chosen for the totem pole represents a different characteristic of the indigenous people – the Bee shows industrial and productive community; the Armadillo refers to safety, strong boundaries and trust; the Bear embodies courage, will power and great strength; the Fish serves as gracefulness, fertility and happiness; and lastly, the Eagle, which stands on the top of the pole representing divine spirit, risk taking and freedom.
The brochure acts as a information piece to inform readers of each component of the project. Our branding strategies and logo are featured, along with visuals and descriptions of our souvenirs, and each of our prototypes.
Here are the two souvenirs for our new monument. The first is a coloring book, which was created as an effective way to engage participants in learning historical facts about our monument. There are eight pages total, and each one represents a different part of either Christopher Columbus’ journey to America, the old monument, the rebranded monument, or the controversy regarding Columbus and the historical events that occurred. Coloring is a meditative activity enjoyed by all ages and since adult coloring books have recently become popular we found it fitting to use this idea to spread facts about our site. The second souvenir is a kaleidoscope, which is wrapped in re- imaginings of Columbus’s map that place imaginative users in the narrative of his journey. Inside, through fractured kaleidoscopic lenses, images of what Columbus saw when he arrived on the island of Hispaniola are displayed, followed by images of the country now and other scenes that represent his lasting impact on American culture. This range of images presented through the kaleidoscope invites children to think about Columbus as a historical figure by placing themselves in his journey, encouraging empathy and critical reflection in a fun and engaging way. Columbus Circle Kaleidoscopes serve as a fun allegory to help children think about seeing things from multiple perspectives, as well as the way our perspective of history can be seen in subjective fragments.
