Explanation

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Collective Rituals

Collective rituals have been essential in human societies throughout history, helping to reinforce social connections, emphasize shared values, and cultivate a sense of belonging. In today's fast-paced, consumer-driven world, there is an increased focus on individualism and material pursuits, which can sometimes overshadow the importance of communal experiences. By developing and participating in collective rituals, we can work towards fostering unity, inclusive citizenship, and a deeper connection to the land and its Indigenous heritage.

One example of the power of collective rituals can be seen in citizenship ceremonies. These events serve as meaningful experiences that bring together diverse individuals, uniting them under a common identity and fostering a sense of belonging to a nation. They encourage the development of inclusive citizenship, where people from various backgrounds contribute to a collective whole, attempting to bridge divisions based identity markers, socioeconomic status etc.

The Ohm Dome Project, a community-based initiative, shares similarities with citizenship ceremonies as it also aims to connect individuals through their heartbeats [and/or other biometric data], transcending the barriers that can divide us. By creating a shared experience, the project seeks to nurture meaningful connections and promote a sense of unity that goes beyond self-interest and material concerns.

Additionally, the Ohm Dome Project underscores the importance of respecting and honoring the land on which it is located, as well as its Indigenous heritage. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives and acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, the project not only fosters a deeper connection to the land but also encourages a more holistic and sustainable approach to its use and care.

Collective rituals, such as the Ohm Dome Project, can play a crucial role in building lasting social bonds and contributing to the development of inclusive citizenship. By promoting unity, nurturing connections to the land, and recognizing Indigenous heritage, these rituals can help us move towards a more harmonious and sustainable society that values shared experiences and interconnectedness.

About the Ohm Dome Project:

The Ohm Dome Project is a public art installation aimed at promoting unity and togetherness in the world, starting in Toronto,
by connecting individuals through their heartbeats. The core of the project, or the most simple implementation of it, would be a Raspberry Pi-based system that accepts input from up to six touchless heart rate monitors, such as optical sensors or radar-based systems. Other biometric data may also be used depending on the specificity of the project; and depending on the complexity, AI may also be used to aid in the interactivity of the LED light arrangements which are in various Flower of Life Mandela shapes; accompanied by layered "ohm" chants, binaural beats or any specified peaceful sounds related to the community in question produced by a sound generation system. The more heartbeats and biometric data are connected, the more intricate the light patterns and sounds become, fostering a sense of unity among participants. 

Each Ohm Dome installation is designed to be both universal and particular, creating a network of interconnected structures while catering to the unique needs and preferences of its specific community and location. While heartbeats serve as the primary point of connection, installations may utilize different biometric readers depending on factors such as cost, viability, location, and community input. Alternative biometric data collection methods could include heart rate variability (HRV), photoplethysmography (PPG), accelerometry (movement and activity), infrared thermography, acoustic analysis (e.g., voice), blink rate, breathing sounds or nasal airflow, among others. This adaptability ensures that each Ohm Dome can be tailored to best suit its community while remaining connected to a larger, unified network of installations.

“I could only come to terms with the fact that I’d directly taken part in an atrocity because there was so much love in the room, so many people supporting me. Their presence made it bearable. And those three other Americans could only hold that burden with me because of the deep degree of connection we were experiencing with the larger whole” (Hubl 113) Trauma Studies

The idea for the Ohm Dome Project emerged out of long study on mythesis regarding trauma studies, a desire to build stronger community bonds as well as to cultivate a deeper connections to the land and its Indigenous heritage. To ensure the project is inclusive and respectful, the creation of each specific prototype is a ritual unto itself; engaging with community members, local government, funding agencies, partner organizations, and the project team during the planning, implementation, and evaluation stages.

To engage the community, each specific project, would need to gather intel based on their specific needs;  whether that is public meetings, conducting surveys, or inviting local artists and technology experts to collaborate on the project. This collaborative approach helps to identify key issues and opportunities related to unity and togetherness in the community. As a result, different projects may have different approaches; an inner city one may also become a recharging and wifi station; and one in the suburbs may have a library and gardens instead. The end goal would be to have all of the ohm domes all connect; they would respond both to their particular environments as well as to each other in a giant network, perhaps giving complimentary instructions on special days. 

As part of the Ohm Dome Project to not just connect the neighborhoods but the city as a whole, we are also exploring the possibility of integrating the art installation near key traffic and bus stop locations; setting up prototype at key intersections within the city.
This would serve to not only promote unity and togetherness but also enhance the experience of public transportation users, making waiting for the bus a more engaging and interactive experience. Some key intersections we've identified for the integration of the Ohm Dome bus stop prototype include High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Riverdale Park East, Christie Pits Park, and Withrow Park. These locations were chosen for their proximity to popular parks in Toronto and the presence of existing bus stops.

The Ohm Dome Project is not just an art installation; it is not only a symbol; it is an invitation to a ritual of unity and interconnectedness that transcends individualism and material pursuits. By participating in this shared experience, community members can forge new connections and contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable society, helping to actually motivate solidarity. 

If you want to get involved, please send a message here, and click below for specific information. 
Here are some common concerns about the project, that we hope can be of your understanding:

1. Prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity: We are actively collaborating with diverse community members, disability advocates, and cultural organizations to ensure that our installations are accessible and inclusive for all. This includes incorporating features such as wheelchair ramps, multilingual instructions, and culturally appropriate design elements.

2. Protecting user privacy: We take privacy concerns seriously and have implemented measures to ensure that all biometric data is collected anonymously, without any personally identifiable information. Additionally, we have established data security protocols to protect user data and developed a clear privacy policy to inform users about how their data is being used and stored.

3. Demonstrating effectiveness in promoting unity: While our art installations may not resolve all societal issues, we believe they can act as catalysts for dialogue and collaboration between diverse community members. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences, we aim to break down barriers and encourage people to work together towards common goals.

4. Collaborating with urban planning and infrastructure stakeholders: We are committed to working with city planners, local government, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of the Ohm Dome installations into existing urban spaces. This involves conducting feasibility studies, obtaining necessary permits, and engaging in ongoing dialogue with community members and urban planning professionals.

We are grateful for the support and involvement of individuals like you, who share our vision for a more connected and unified community. By working together, we can continue to grow and transform the urban landscape through unique and interactive bus stop installations. Your skills, time, and financial resources are invaluable in helping us build a more connected world, one heartbeat at a time. Join us in our mission and become part of the Ohm Dome Project family.

Learn more about how you can get involved and help us address these challenges by visiting our "Get Involved" page, where you can find information on volunteering, donating, and partnering with us. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community and beyond.

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