<DIV><BR>The Arc de Triomphe: World Institute for the Abolition of War is an institutional and architectural idea for an international transdisciplinary center offering both a symbolic structure for inspiring philosophical, psycho-analytical, and political engagement, and an activist center to encourage analytical, proactive, and transformative approaches to the war-abolitionist process.<BR><BR>Wodiczko proposes that to rid ourselves of war, we must disarm ourselves of both physical War Memorials and our entire cultural set up, seen by Wodiczko as one integrated War Memorial. The proposed Institute for the Abolition of War is a structure proposed to surround the Arc de Triomphe. When the project is complete, the Arc will be seen as immersed and contained in the Institute's larger structure. The physical structure acts as an open invitation to all those who wish to be historical witnesses and potential intellectual and activist forces towards a war-free world.<BR><BR>Wodiczko proposes: ?For the purpose of such an examination, the structure of the Institute will be equipped with a system of walk ways, ramps, elevators, and vertically moving viewing platforms to allow, inspire, and assist the scholars, philosophers, and visitors in studying the war iconography of the Arc while hearing and viewing interpretative and historical narratives, as well as debates and discussions between philosophers, scholars, peace activists, politicians, and while engaging with them in dialogues directly or with special communication media.' To abolish war, critical investigations must be made into its roots and artifacts.<BR><BR>The artist proposes to include a World Situation Map at the Arc's roof, displaying global dynamics of potential and current wars and conflicts, as well as past conflicts and importantly showing areas of lasting peace. The project will also include a Cross-Disciplinary Center for Global Peace Projects to promote analysis in the following domains: the Social, Psychological, and Anthropological; the Politico-Ethical and Legal; the Cultural and Ideological; and the Economic, Scientific, and Technological.<BR><BR>The Abolition of War is a fascinating insight into the working practice of this fascinating artist and the political and social concepts infused throughout his work. With an extended essay from Wodiczko, the book is supported by texts from artists and critics in the field. Their contributions constitute a forum published alongside Wodiczko's text, ensuring an engaging debate. The book is fully illustrated with diagrams and images from the project.<BR><BR>The text for the project was originally published in the Harvard Design Journal and the book is published to coincide with an exhibition of the same name at Black Dog's gallery space WORK.<BR><BR>Wodiczko's work has been displayed and exhibited around the world, in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia and Europe. He is represented by Galerie Lelong, New York, and his work is displayed at The Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, The National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, The Jewish Museum, New York, The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, and The New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York.</DIV>