The work is a 16 ft. square by 14 ft. high structure open on one side. From the open side two rooms are created by a partition that does not extend to the ceiling. From a metal beam extending across both rooms a concrete slab is suspended over the left hand room. The slab, which is slightly smaller than the room, is hung by a block and tackle from the metal beam. The loose end of the rope is led from this block and tackle across the partition into the right hand room. In this room, the rope extends down the left hand wall, across the room about 10 in. from the floor and then up the right hand wall to the ceiling where it is secured to the beam. As the rope crosses the floor, it runs over a chopping block with an axe stuck in it. Near the chopping block and behind the rope is a video monitor that allows the participant to view the adjacent space. The video monitor is positioned so that it can only be seen after one has stepped over the rope and moved to the rear of the room.

In the left hand room, there is a doorway on the back wall which one can reach only by walking under the concrete slab. This rear portal provides access to a small room and an opening in this room leads to a larger room which is located directly behind the space that contains the video monitor and chopping block. The room is unfinished and the 2 x 4 studs and plywood are visible. A rope attached to the top of the common wall that separates the front and rear enclosures extends to the back wall where it is then directed toward the floor and then redirected toward the common wall where it is affixed. This rope crosses a chopping block in which a knife is stuck. The wall section that the rope is affixed to is independent structurally and leans out into the front space.

Therefore, if the rope is cut, only a gentle push on the inclined section is needed to send the wall falling forward into the space containing the monitor and axe. An alarm clock, cup and a piece of mirrored mylar are also in this back enclosure.