Joseph Voelbel

The Structure was erected so as to be vacated. Every brick, slab of mortar and bead of sweat invested in its creation was built on the premise that its occupants would one day be none. Indeed, the intent of the structure, its very essence, was to house nothing. This premise struck most as absurd. Why make something with the hope it shouldn't exist? However, the builders believed that, with respect to this structure, no longer needing to fulfill its function was the function it was designed to fulfill. The Structure facilitated this progression from needing, to not needing itself.

Long foreseen was the impermanence of the structure. Such an outcome was implicit in its birthing, inherent to its character. The origins of The Structure were transcendent and non-linear.

The development from these origins remains shrouded in an unknowing, unknowing as a characteristic of untold impact. Its fruits were of items materializing, names changing, liquids turned to stone.

Early versions of The Structure were austere, mere wooden benches and fire pits. Later iterations tallied centuries of craft and wielded colors of exquisite magnitude that captivated and awed its occupants, depicting eras of mythos – ancient symbols pressed upon glass, chipped out of marble and rolled up into incense.

Throughout its years, a curious and yearning type found their way inside its doors. Some were attracted by the craftsmanship. Others, the location itself. They showed up with problems, offering slightly ajar doors into themselves, looking to fit in, to commune. They listened. They prayed. They sang. They became penitent. All of which served as a figurative as well as metaphysical declaration of the function of The Structure, to create sanctity within its occupants.

Details surrounding the collapse of The Structure remain a matter of speculation.