SIDELINED: A provocative exploration of sport's design and its impact on society
Gabriel Fontana's SIDELINED is a thought-provoking project that challenges the traditional understanding of sports and its role in our lives. It invites us to question the very essence of competition and the values we associate with it. By redesigning sports through innovative games and installations, Fontana offers a unique perspective on how we can rethink and redesign our sporting culture.
The core idea is simple yet powerful: sport is a designed system, and we often take it for granted. From the grand stadiums to the tiny details like uniforms and scoreboards, every element is carefully crafted to serve a purpose. But what if we were to redesign these elements and the rules of the game? What values would we prioritize? How would it change the way we interact and compete?
Fontana's approach is to start with the familiar and then twist it. In his three alternative team sports - Multiform, Anonymous Allyship, and Fluid Field - he challenges the fixed nature of teams, the uniformity of uniforms, and the static nature of playing fields. By doing so, he redirects our attention from winning to cooperation and negotiation. Uncertainty becomes a design element, encouraging players to navigate unfamiliar situations together.
The sports bar, a central element of SIDELINED, is more than just a place to watch games. It's a space that fosters belonging and identity formation. Amanda Pinatih, the curator, sees it as a site of social production and identity, where diverse communities can unite around shared experiences. By examining how sports bars both include and exclude, we can learn to design public spaces that promote inclusivity and a sense of community.
The project's impact extends beyond the games and installations. It encourages us to look at the sports we already know with fresh eyes. When we view jerseys, playing fields, and rules as designed objects, we can ask critical questions: Who are they designed for? Who do they include? How might they work differently? This shift in perspective can lead to a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to sports and the spaces we create for them.
SIDELINED is a powerful reminder that design is not just about aesthetics but also about the values and experiences it creates. It challenges us to rethink the very foundation of sports, inviting us to imagine a world where competition is not the only goal, and where the design of sports can foster a sense of togetherness and belonging.
