Rebecca Manzi A swing that unites rather than divides: its message is still very relevant. We are talking about the pink Teeter-Totter Wall swing between Mexico and New Mexico
@rrael
The US-Mexico border often symbolizes division and conflict, but a creative installation has transformed this barrier into a symbol of connection and joy. Ronald Rael, an associate professor of architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, and Virginia San Fratello, an associate professor of design at San José State University, installed a series of pink seesaws along the border wall, allowing people on both sides to play together.
Teeter-Totter Wall: a unique playground
This installation, known as the Teeter-Totter Wall, is located between Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and Sunland Park, New Mexico. The seesaws use the steel slats of the wall as a fulcrum, allowing children and adults from both countries to interact in a unique and playful way. Images and videos of people enjoying these seesaws have gone viral over the years, showing the world how a simple game can transcend physical and political barriers.
Rael and San Fratello worked on this project for over a decade. Their idea emerged in response to the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which intensified the construction of barriers along the border. Their goal was to create an installation that would offer a moment of joy while also encouraging deeper reflection on the relationship between the United States and Mexico.
Award-winning design
The pink seesaws are more than just a playground; they are a powerful symbol of human relationships and border politics. This project has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Design of the Year award in 2020. The creators hope that this installation inspires people to build bridges between communities rather than walls of division.
A message of hope and solidarity
In a global context marked by increasing tensions and divisions, the Teeter-Totter Wall offers a message of hope and solidarity. San Fratello emphasized the importance of building connections rather than barriers, a concept that has become even more relevant in recent times.
Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello aimed to use humor and creativity to address a complex issue. This installation reminds us that despite physical and political barriers, we are all connected by our shared humanity.
