The Big Book: A Tool for Public Engagement

The Big Book: A Tool for Exploration and Public Engagement 

Why not create a “Big Book“…life-sized, that people can really “get into”! Literally.

Here are some models/ideas, for such a project, using recycled cardboard, and hemp cord to lash the covers and pages to the accordion spine.

Front, from an aerial perspective.

Inside, with “windows and doors” (easily folded open and shut) created with a few cuts

Back….the accordion spine and sewing/lashing can be seen.

Details of the lashing….holes would be punched, and strong cord, rope or jute could be used to attach the pieces.

Workshops could be held where participants make books, then read them using The Big Book as a stage, backdrop or theater.  Exhibitions of the books could be mounted using the covers/pages or “walls” of the book as a gallery.

As well as a tool for community engagement and making, The Big Book, if properly and effectually used, could draw the parallels between books and architecture, the commonalities of their structures, and the way each creates a space, a world, both private and public, for us to enter into.