Historiscope
Through two apertures in this period-inspired, moveable peep-show, visitors can peer into the colorful past of Portland’s Armory building.
For years this enigmatic landmark stood silent in an encroaching urban revitalization: a fortress-like façade kept its history protected and obscured. The personality of the building inspired the storytelling and the cabinet that now reveals its past since it was opened to the public. The cabinet borrows the architectural elements of the façade and entices individuals to peer into viewing holes to watch the mechanically-inspired animations that caricature each era of its past. Following each show visitors can use the wooden joystick on the cabinet exterior to reveal slideshows of archival pictures and information. Without any apparent signs of technology, this free-standing unit can be moved to different locations throughout the building.