Historiscope: A Raree-Show and History of the Armory

Historiscope: A Raree-Show and History of the Armory

Through two apertures in this period-inspired, moveable peep-show, visitors can peer into the colorful past of Portland’s Armory building.

For years this enigmatic landmark stood silent in an encroaching urban revitalization: a fortress-like façade kept its history protected and obscured. The personality of the building inspired the storytelling and the cabinet that now reveals its past since it was opened to the public. The cabinet borrows the architectural elements of the façade and entices individuals to peer into viewing holes to watch the mechanically-inspired animations that caricature each era of its past. Following each show visitors can use the wooden joystick on the cabinet exterior to reveal slideshows of archival pictures and information. Without any apparent signs of technology, this free-standing unit can be moved to different locations throughout the building.

Credits

Designer
Brad Johnson
Developer
Matt Arnold
Motion Designer
Alphonse Swinehart
Writer
Lisa Berndt
2-D Animation
Alphonse Swinehart
Sound Design
Audio Wells
Production Artist
Kieran Lynn
Researchers
Shane Farrell, Dana Plautz
Quality Assurance
Shane Farrell, Jennifer Guibord