I found Tunnel 57 very interesting. I think Tunnel 57 is a perfect representation of how a design can impact a wide range of people as opposed to just artistic people. The tunnel was used to connect members of East Berlin to West Berlin. I think having people interact with the design itself helped keep the story of Tunnel 57 alive. When designs have significant meaning behind them, they tend to resonant with people. People admire Ground Zero because of the significance behind the site. No one admires or reflects on regular buildings or sites in New York. Perhaps some people do, but it’s not common or popular for someone to reflect on a common building in a city.

I think it was smart of them to be precise with every little detail involved in operating the tunnel. They used the word Tokyo as a code word based on reports of the olympics. Instead of saying we have 5 refugees in the tunnel, they would say we have a family of 5 in the tunnel with 3 little children. I think when an artist thinks about every detail of the design, its use becomes more purposeful or efficient.

I think this piece helped me define the line between art and design. The tunnel was a design used to bring together families who were split due to the Berlin Wall. While the design of the tunnel had some flaws, the project was a success until they were caught. Design has a purpose so an artist may not be able to express themselves. Design is functional and purposeful. Design is efficient and effective. Art is about expression. Those are the differences between design and art.

This piece has inspired me to try to create art that has more meaning behind it. It will be a challenge but it’s something that I would like to achieve. This piece has reminded me that I should be aware of every element I’m incorporating into my photographs.