The Haus der Geschichte Baden Württemberg in Stuttgart commissioned four exhibits under the title “Questions of Confidence” covering the topics security, participation, diversity and credibility. The exhibition looks at how the revolution created the first democracy in Baden Württemberg that sought to win citizens’ trust. It reveals the achievements and efforts, the hopes and dreams, the difficulties and fears of women and men in this era.

Security

After the revolution of 1918/19 new security forces had to be built up and also equipped with new uniforms. Ensuring order and security was very important to the government.

The installation is an artistic floor projection that illustrates the connection between freedom and security. As soon as the projection is entered, the own mirror image appears as a living form, which can not unfold due strong wind. On the ground are eight measures / tasks of the security forces to be seen. These measures can be activated by touching them with the foot. These will appear as big circles deflecting the wind. The vistitors mirror image is now colorful and behaves different in the slipstream. How much security do I need in order to evolve and when is my personal freedom too limited?

Participation

The wooden ballot box from Mühlheim at the Donau was used in 1919 for the election of the constituent assembly of Württemberg. More political participation was a basic requirement of the revolution of 1918/19. What should the political participation of citizens look like in the future?

At this interactive station up to three people can vote simultaneously on questions about participation in a democracy. After each round the result of all votes are displayed thru the LED ring on top of the exhibit. This invites everyone to discuss the questions and their results with the other visitors.

Diversity

After the revolution of 1918/19, the state allowed the foundation of the private Waldorf School and thus promoted scholastic diversity. In handwork lessons, boys and girls sewed stuffed animals together, traditional role models were broken up.

The (L)on(e)ly bank shows what connects anybody with eachothers. A changing LED display on the bench tells who is allowed to sit at the moment. If the displayed requirement comply with the visitor he can take seat and take a picture. All pictures are shown together at the backside of the bench.

Credibility

The “Berlin Illustrierte Zeitung” published 1919 a picture of Friedrich Ebert in swimsuit. The newspaper wanted to denigrate the new President and undermine his confidence.

Today, the credibility of politicians and the media is being attacked with fake news and manipulated reports. The news check at the digital interactive station shows messages from and about politicians. Some are true, some are false. The visitor uses the possibilities for research and can determine whether the message is credible or not.

Client
Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg

Exhibition Design
büroberlin
www.bueroberlin.net

Media Concept / Design / Programming
schnellebuntebilder

Photos
Jürgen Schmidt
www.juergen-schmidt-fotografie.de

Daniel Stauch
danielstauch.squarespace.com

Werner Kuhnle
www.kuhnle-foto.de