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This design conceptually explores immigration, which is an issue with direct ties to the spirit and community of The Athenaeum Foundation. Das Deutsche Haus was originally created as a social and community center for German immigrants in Indianapolis to feel safe, welcome, and celebrated. Such a place continues to be necessary today for all immigrants, and especially refugees. One path toward finding community and/or personal improvement in what can often be an unfamiliar and challenging new home is education. This work is part of The Public Collection, which at its heart aims to provide opportunities for education through increased access to books from the integrated micro library. While at first sight our design may seem closed off, it is important to note that it is also intentionally open and accessible. One only need to spend a small amount of energy in exploration to find the entrance, which is at times metaphorically true for access to knowledge as well. Das Deutsche Haus changed its name to The Athenaeum in 1918 due to anti-German sentiment after World War I. Today, there is still similar judgement and stereotypes placed on certain immigrant populations. This concept seeks to draw attention to this complex issue, possibly within celebrating the historical context of German immigrants in the Indianapolis community.
