Dialogue Tent
We Agree That We Disagree

The Dialogue Tent was developed as a portable artefact in the form of a dome-shaped safe space and contains various mediation tools that provide space in semi-public places to mediate between conflicting parties on a social level. The dimensions are four metres long and wide and two metres high. It offers space for a small group of up to ten people. The dome-shaped design of the artefact incorporates the historical significance of the dome, which stands for representative buildings with the symbolism of unity. This origin includes an ancient tradition that has been developed over many cultures and eras and is used as an approach for the artefact.
The Dialogue Tent is a designed space in a semi-public area, which is characterised by its dome shape made of wooden poles and provides the boundary for the dialogue setting. A changeant silk fabric is used for the design of the dome framework to delimit and create privacy for the participants in the dialogue. The two-colour changing effect of this fabric ensures that the participants perceive it differently depending on their position and thus visualises the change of perspective in a creative way. The use of this creative element promotes respect for different views.
The associated mediation tools include various objects such as the Dialogue Carpet with cushions, a tea set, several timers in the form of hourglasses, a talking ball, bracelets and three fabric storage covers. These are detailed below.
The Dialogue Carpet is laid out on the floor inside the dome as a fabric base and is designed from six different types of fabric and colours. From the outside to the inside, it increasingly takes on the shape of a circle. This illustrates the six phases of the dialogue model for conflict resolution according to Diehl (2021) in the fabric structure. The concept of the fabric layers is based on the fact that they become increasingly comfortable from the outside inwards and that there is a small difference in height towards the middle. This is implemented through different fabric surfaces and structures, which expresses in design terms that one moves together in dialogue from the "uncomfortable problem" towards the "comfortable solution". In addition, each of the six phases is marked by a slogan printed on the fabric levels made of flex foil, which stands for the content of the phase. These read from the outside in as follows:
- We define the problem
- We capture challenges
- We create a shared vision
- We brainstorm without judgment
- We design solutions
- We evaluate the prototypes
Each participant receives a seat cushion in the same design, with a total of four colours. Each of the cushions has a wristband with the slogan "We Agree That We Disagree", which emphasises the "we" aspect of the dialogue. At the same time, they serve for the same social status in dialogue and exchange "at eye level".
The tea set includes various elements such as cups, a teapot, a thermo container, two round wooden coasters and practical storage bags. The coasters are placed on top of each other and are connected by a semicircular wooden ball in the middle, which provides a design element of balance. For a stabilising balance, eight small wooden pillars are attached to the rim so that the tea does not spill even if it is unbalanced. The weight of the cups on the coasters creates a harmonious balance. The tea set serves as a bridge builder and promotes community by encouraging participants to take a cup at the same time and drink together. To support the dialogue, teas were chosen that consist of a soothing and calming blend of peppermint and lavender. Lavender is said to have a relaxing and calming property that also becomes anxiety-relieving and promotes a sense of well-being. Peppermint, on the other hand, is refreshing and invigorating, reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which improves focus and concentration.
The timer is implemented in the form of different sized hourglasses of 5, 10, 30 and 60 minutes. This serves as a design element to represent the intended duration of the entire dialogue, the different dialogue phases as well as the participants' speaking times.
The speech ball is a spherical element made of coconut string and serves as a symbol of who is speaking among the participants.
The bracelets are made of fabric and have the slogan "We Agree That We Disagree". These are given to the participants as a "Taking Home Message" after the dialogue is over.
The Dialogue Tent, Dialogue Carpet and associated mediation tools are stored in three fabric storage cases, which are used in sequence for set-up or in reverse sequence for take-down. Each of the sleeves is labelled with the appropriate name. These are stored in a practical portable roll-up bag, which allows for easy transport, but this is not part of the artefact itself, but serves purely practical purposes.
The concept of the Dialogue Tent is based on a practical approach that allows the supervisor to flexibly set up or dismantle the artefact in any semi-public space within a maximum of half an hour. In this way, the artefact allows for a quick response to conflicts, which meets the needs of dialogue participants to aim for timely conflict resolution.
Impressions from the reality tests:
Experiences with the Dialogue Tent in public space at the Place des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland 24.05.2023.
Walk-In Experiment of the Dialogue Tent with a group from Uganda at the Place des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland 24.05.2023.
Experiences with the Dialogue Tent in public space at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc in Geneva, Switzerland 24.05.2023.
Reality test in semi-public space at the ZHdK with a group of Ukrainian students in Zurich, Switzerland 26.05.2023.











Testing the Dialogue Tent with a group from the Syrian community at the headquarters of "The World Council of Churches", Geneva, Switzerland 23.05.2023.