Masters Thesis_EAT

2

BEN CHADWICK

5TH YEAR ARCHITECTURE

ROOMS + CITIES

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Skolnik, L., 2000. Sleeping spaces. 1st ed. Gloucester, Mass.: Rockport Publishers.

Tanizaki, J., 1977. In praise of shadows. 1st ed. New Haven, Conn.: Leete’s Island Books.

3

EAT

SLEEP

PRAY

REPEAT

The Pilgrim hostel for Porto project has developed through the exploration of semi-private/public space in institutions based on commu-nal life and living. This Thesis explores communal living in two distinct ways: Firstly, compiled Picture Research that focuses on the three commu-nal activities within the Hostel: Eating, Sleeping and Praying. Secondly the design of the Pilgrim Hostel in Porto.

“Seeing Comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak.”

Ways of Seeing, John Berger

Compromising of 3 studies, the research questions focus around the 3 main spaces within the hostel. Dormitory, Refectory and Oratory. These studies are intended to be a visual exploration of these 3 types of spaces focusing on imagery and captions as a way of analyzing the social dynamics of each type.

“Many a true word is spoken in jest “

The Monks Tale, Geoff rey Chaucer

Somehow it’s easier to say anything painful or uncomfortable as a joke, this is how the truth comes out. Humour is used throughout the pic-ture research as a way of communicating my thoughts and observations on the images. Perhaps the text appears slightly jokey and not serious but all the text is my honest opinion and treated with love and aff ection, intended to discuss architecture in a lighter hearted manner.

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Figure 59 - Hall, E., 1966. The hidden dimension. 1st ed. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday.

Figure 60 – Unknown










Figure 70 - Authors sketch

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Figure 39 - Creativescreenwriting.com. 2014. [online] Available at: <http://creativescreenwriting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/separatetables.jpg> [Accessed 23 Jan. 2014].

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The Design of the Pilgrim Hostel naturally grew from this bank of images through the year. Whether the infl uence was obvious at fi rst, by compiling these picture essays they have all snuck infl uence into my work. Positioned in Gaia, the site sits in a unique topographical location looking back to Porto. The building takes the form of a thin rectangle positioned at the front of the site. With the desire to create a new large façade visible from Porto, that gives the pilgrims views back across the water. Part of a larger complex with 2 other students, the building marks the middle of a created root through a series of indoor and outdoor spaces of buildings, intended to create a new diverse path from the top of the bridge to the water. The building Acts as a wall between Porto and the new inserted path behind the building.

[EAT] – The context of this essay uses examples of communal eating spac-es (Restaurants, Dining Halls) and also examples diff erent tables shape and sizes.

Considering the implications of placing a large singular table within a re-fectory and how social interactions develop around the table. The space of the table and how it positions you in space becomes an essential element. The enclosure of the table and its openings are also considered.

[SLEEP] – The context of this study uses examples of communal sleeping spaces (Monasteries, Army Barracks, Hospital Wards, University Dorms, and Hostels) and other types of furniture that defi ne space.This study is a visual exploration of communal sleeping spaces and how privacy is created while remaining still connected to the communal space. Beds become essential in furniture defi ning private space in a larger com-munal institute.

[PRAY] The context of this study uses examples of sacred spaces for wor-ship (Mosques, Temples, Churches, Chapels, and Oratories)

[REPEAT] The design of the Pilgrim Hostel in Porto. Images and text de-scribing decisions taken during the design phase.

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EAT

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Figure [70] A table for many?

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Communal eating is essential in bringing people together. The act of eat-ing has the unique ability to bring people together, share, love and rejoice in each other’s company. Whether a small occasion or a big gathering, the communal meal is key in forging relationships.

The majority of communal meals take place at a table. Whether the table is long, short, wide, skinny, made of wood or made of steel, as an object it brings people together. Positioned around it people share and thrive from each other’s company. When people sit around the table they make a con-scious decision on where they sit. Do they sit next to someone, or alone at the other end of the table? The size and scale of the table in the Pilgrim Hos-tel must give people this choice.

The refectory space within the Hostel must supply a table of large enough proportion for all the pilgrims to fi t around. Whether it’s full or only has a few pilgrims seated at it, it should become a place for people not only to eat but share stories, trade pictures and make new friends. The room’s enclo-sure must have openings and give glimpses to the view back to Porto. The refectory becomes the heart of the communal functions within the hostel.

15 Observations

9

01 - Introduction - P10 - 11

02 - Out For Dinner - P12 - 17

03 - Coff ee to Go - P18 - 23

04 - Sunday Roast - P24 - 29

05 - Lunch Bell - P30 - 33

06 - Celebrations - P34 - 37

07 - The Table - P38 - 39

08 - Pencil + Pen - P40 - 45

09 - Painted Canvas - P46 - 51

10 - On the Reel - P52 - 57

11 - To Infi nity and Beyond - P58 - 61

12 - A Day in the Sun - P62 - 65

13 - The Feast - P66 - 69

14 - Artists Impression - P70 - 79

15 - Proxemics - P80 - 97

15 - Observations - P98 - 99

10 99

A man addresses a large crowd from a public distance. His voice must be amplifi ed and much of the commu-nication is done through body gestures.

Figure [69] Public Speaking

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Public distance – 10 feet – Infi nity

At public distance facial expression are diffi cult to distinguish and the tone of the voice is hard to judge. The whole body comes into focus at a single glance. It is the distance of lecture halls, public forums and award ceremo-nies until the time closer interaction is required.

11

70 IMAGES OF COMMUNAL EATING

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We love to eat, we have to eat. Unlike many of life’s devilish temptations, the temptation to eat is one we must give into on a daily basis.

Communal eating today is an essential component of all human societies. Holy communion, wedding feasts, birthday parties, Christmas dinner, an Irish wake, the family evening meal are western and Christian examples, but every society has its equivalents ( reference )

Dining in a communal group gives people the power to bind together, learn about others and themselves. Sharing food may seem like the main reason for dining at the table but in fact its wider impact goes simply beyond shar-ing a table. The environment they do this in therefore becomes just as im-portant as the food on the table.

“ A feast is of such a nature that it draws people to itself, and makes them leave

everything else in order to participate in its joys. To feast together is to bear wit-

ness to the joy one has at being with his friends. The mere act of eating together,

quite apart from a banquet or some other festival occasion, is by its very nature a

sign of friendship and of “communion.”

Thomas Merton,

Our distance from communal eating today has grown fast food resteraunts, busy life styles and laziness all contribute to the decline of the communal meal. For some of us managing to sit round the table with family seems like a laborious chore.

Joining people at a table gives them a sense of communion, when others may feel isolated in their own lives the communal meal becomes a time for binding and sharing, it is therefore obvious the importance of dining togeth-er as a communion is.

01 INTRODUCTION

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The man here is photographed at social distance. His full fi gure becomes visible. All facial details are un-recognizable.

Figure [68] Social Distance

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Coworkers keep a social distance between themselves while at work. A fi ling cabinet makes a suitable barrier between them

Figure [67] Filing cabinet conversation

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Figure [1] African Children share meal

Figure [2] Chineese Family round low table

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Whether on a hot date or out for a meal with friends, restaurants are always popu-

lar destinations when planning nights out. Many diff erent types of restaurant exist

today, from fi ne rustic Italian’s to the fast food chains of McDonalds and Burger

King. No matter the food being served, restaurants all bring people together in a

communal eating environment.

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Unfamiliar acquaintances sit around a table at so-cial distance. Their distance suggests they are not comfortable with each other.

Figure [66] Thank god for this table

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Social Distance – 4 – 10 feet

Social distance is often used between individuals who are acquaintances but not quiet friends. Someone you may know fairly well but haven’t invited over for dinner such as a classmate or co worker. Other cases such as teach-ers you may feel more comfortable at the larger end of the spectrum. This is the zone of impersonal transaction. We really solely on our senses of sight and hearing.By the middle of the range the entire face can be focused, past 8 feet it is no longer rude to ignore that person with the annoying accent.

15

Tables of four positioned inside the enclosure of the room. This seating arrangement does not allow for people to sit in larger groups, without moving furni-ture around to eat. People sit with their back towards others.

Figure [3] A Typical American Restaurant Diner

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Casa Guadalajara, A modern day award winning Mexi-can Restaurant in America. Tables are at varying heights creating a unique eating experience. Some people may fi nd it discomforting sitting at the level of someone’s buttocks. Warm colours give the room an inviting glow.

Figure [4] Mexican Resteraunt Interior

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In this image the man is pictured at a personal distance. At this distance details are hard to distinguish.

Figure [65] Personal Distance

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Three work colleagues maintain a personal distance from each other.

Figure [64] Work Distance

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A downtown pizzeria in Boston. Individual tables of maximum 4 people. Kitchen area sits within the eat-ing space, allowing the customers to see and smell the preparation of their meal. The connection with the preparation of the food creates a personal connection with the pizzeria.

Figure [5] Boston pizzeria 1994

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Figure [6] Burger King, Beijing

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This line of people maintain a personal distance out-side a bus stop. Close enough to engage in conversation but not touching distance.

Figure [63] This bus is always late..

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Personal Distance – 18 inches – 4 feet

W.h Auden “Prologue: The Birth of Architecture “

“Some thirty inches from my nose, The function of my person goes, and all the untilled air between,

Is private pagus or demense, strange unless with bedroom eyes,

I beckon you to fraternize, beware of rudely crosses it, I have no gun, but I can spit “

At personal Distance we lose the sense of body heat and all but pungent oduors disspaear.The subject of your gaze comes into focus and their voice is clear. Although at arms length the person is close enough to be embraced or shoved away. The closeness within this personal distance indicates the intimacy in the relationship.

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Fast Food Restaurant’s – Two typical layouts of Fast food chains Burge r King and McDonalds, Seating al-lows for diff erent numbers of customers around the tables depending on how busy it is. Often cramped and diffi cult to move, these restaurants are made to fi t as many people as possible in. Artifi cial lighting is provid-ed from above.

Figure [7] Mcdondalds Interior

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A place to meet a colleague, grab a hot beverage or eat a full breakfast, Cafés are es-

sentially smaller restaurants with a more intimate atmosphere. Hot spot for young

people these days cafes are a social meeting place full of energy. Perhaps less about

communal eating but communal drinking cafes are places you go to get an exotic

caff eine fi lled boost.

89

At intimate distance people’s eyes are close and detail visible.

Figure [62] Intimate Distance eye

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At this intimate distance thing should be loving and caring, unless you are angry. These 2 gentlemen are engaged in a hos-tile confrontation at intimate distance.

Figure [61] You seem angry

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Café’s generally spill out on to the street when the sun comes out, people are attracted to the outside and crave the sun. In this image tables are huddled closely togeth-er outside the café. Little separation between tables cre-ates an intimate close environment for discussions, but lacks privacy from other tables.

Figure [8] Paris Café 1924 -

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A small intimate café in central London. Wooden tables and wooden décor line the walls of this café. Small in size it’s warming and inviting. Food and drink prepara-tion area is visible to all customers.

Figure [9] Graze Café, Stanford, London

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Figure [60] Sometimes wrestling can lead to lovemaking..

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Intimate Distance – 0 – 10 Inches

Intimate distance is the distance of grappling a friend, lovemaking or heated arguments.This closeness is a chosen one, meaning you decide to be this close to the other person, whether it’s to demonstrate your passion for the other or get in the other persons face. Forced intimate scenarios such as a cramped public bus do not count. At such close proximity to others vision becomes distorted and any vocalisation should be a whisper, moan or grunt.

23

Tables elevated above “normal” ergonomic height. Nat-ural light fl oods into the café through a large window at the front. Allows for an intimate atmosphere within, while still remaining connected to the outside visually. Singular bench along the back wall means people must communally share a seat encouraging some forms of interaction.

Figure [10] Kaff ee Kuche, Berlin

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Starbucks are on every street corner these days. Star-bucks cafes are more commonly associated with com-munal drinking than eating but still showcase a variety of social groupings. In this image a small dividing wall introduces a means of separation between tables, giv-ing people privacy and safety.

Figure [11] Starbucks Café

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Figure [59] Edward Hall’s sketch of lion tamer controlling space between himself and lion

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Initially Hall began to look at the behaviour of Animals when discussing the ideas of proxemics and space.

He uses the scenario of a lion tamer, acknowledging lions have an attack distance, the sketch conveys how stepping in and outside of the lions attack circle can change its behaviour and attitude towards the tamer, he is able to control the lion simply by understanding distance and the space between himself and the lion. If this where to be true, surely humans could control others feelings by simply understanding the distance between themselves. This simple study allowed Hall to develop a pattern of distances for human behaviour.

Intimate Distance, Personal distance, Social Distance and Public Distance.

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This image shows a group of young people with lap-tops around a table. The Distance between them seems comfortable, close enough to engage in conversation across the table, while remaining outside the person’s personal space.

Figure [12] Laptops Out

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Figure [58] Diagram of Edward Hall’s Proxemic’s of space Analysis

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Architecture remains primarily about how people are positioned in space. For a building to be successful it must link space and its inhabitants, physi-cally and mentally it must welcome the occupant into the building.

“No matter what happens in the world of human beings, it happens in a spatial setting, and the design of that setting has a deep and persisting infl uence on the

people in that setting”

Edward Hall, The Hidden Dimension

An introduction the science of proxemics was originally discussed by Ed-ward Hall in The hidden Dimension. He discusses how people use space with each other and also how people use the space in-between one and oth-er to aff ect relations and interactions.The diagram illustrates Hall’s ideas of space, creating “distances” between certain “zones of space”

A large communal meal around a table means that people will sit next to people, across from people and at diagonals with others. Hall’s introduction of Proxemics creates a new means of analyzing the space of the table and the space between people.

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An old fashioned school dinner. In a more formal event tables are split up, sometimes people choose where they sit, other times seating plans are arranged. Tables become isolated and separated from the communal whole. Despite being connected by the enclosure of the room, the tables are remote from each other. Conver-sations would take place on the table you are seated and rarely across other tables.

Figure [13] A student’s dinner at Sydney University, 1920

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A typical school refectory in History. Students crammed in at lunch times. So many students fi ll the room the tables are barely visible, indicates a very in-timate environment that is probably uncomfortable to eat in.

Figure [14] Mayo Refectory , 1955

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Allen Wexlers “Two Too Large Tables “showcase a unique ap-proach to table design. Openings are cut into the table surface and seating placed in the openings. The seating arrangement positions some people facing each other, while other seats iso-late the occupant. With these tables Wexler has deliberately po-sitioned people in this formation to make them consider their position in space and the social implications of the seat they take.

Figure [57] Two Too Large Tables 2006

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In this image a clear division of tables is regimented in this hall. It almost appears as though one table has been duplicated several times. Compact tables with lines of 10 students facing each other across the table. Each ta-ble forms its own small communal eating group. Con-versation would be limited across to other tables; each table becomes a world of stories, whispers and gossip.

Figure [15] St Joseph’s Industrial School, Arante , 1915 –

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Large communal table positioned in dining hall. The ta-bles are full meaning the children probably had limited choice in where they sat, and more importantly who they sat next to. Some of the children sit across from the teachers, the last thing any small child wants.

Figure [16] Primary School Dining Hall –

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I sit at the table and feel a strange sense of isolation. It looks and feels completely abstracted from “standard” table dimen-sions. Its table top extends to an uncomfortable distance before it reaches another soul, making any kind of social interaction non-existent. Sitting in this seat facing no one I realise I have been deliberately placed in this position around the table; the seating formation is both disturbing and confusing. But I realise I have a choice; I can choose to sit with my back to the group or sit with and become part of a group. Sub consciously I made the decision to sit on my own. Despite being part of a singular table, here I fi nd myself on my own separated from the communal.


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Much like the example on the previous page this is a school dining hall. Large communal table again, only this time spaces exist and empty seats appear between children, an indication at this early age of the social dy-namics around the table.

Figure [17] Northfi eld Primary School –

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Architecture as signs and systems – Robert Venturi – What is the function of a table? The image below the table is used in a variety of situations. Some climb on it, some pray by it, some dine at it. Although people may use the table diff erently, its function remains the same, a place for people to interact.

Figure [54] Form Follows Function?

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Figure [53] Increasing disorder in a dining table. Sarah Wigglesworth and Jeremy Till.

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The family gathers around the table to share a commu-nal meal. One person sits at the end of the table perhaps signifying importance or stature within the family. All members of the family are present around the table from a small newborn to the family dog. These person-al touches create an intimate family atmosphere.

Figure [18] A historic depiction of a family meal.

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Family of 7 sits around a table. A bottle sits centered in the middle of table.

Figure [19] Family meal, Kauna, Lithuania –

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“Snare Pictures” Daniel Spoerri – in Spoerri’s art the table becomes the setting for his randomly assorted situations of everyday life. Without the surface of the table in these examples of his work , the image would not exist.

Figure [52] Daniel Spoerri - Snare 2

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Figure [51] Daniel Spoerri - Snare 1

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The passing of plates shows a comfortable distance between people. The activity of passing things to each other at the table immediately engages you with people around the table and creates a communal activity. This sharing between one and other helps to build bonds between people.

Figure [20] Family Meal, California, America –

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A home owner was refused permission to build a sta-ble for his horses in his back garden. Instead he created these over scaled tables and placed them in the fi eld. The communal activity of horses together here hap-pens under the table.

Figure [50] Horse’s Table or Horse Stable?

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The important table of the bride and groom is a diff er-ent shape to that of the guest’s tables, giving it prom-inence in the layout of the room. Guests sit in small community groups at circular shaped tables. These ta-bles become like islands separated from one and other with limited interaction due to the distance apart.

Figure [21] A typical wedding meal

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Without a table people tend to fl oat around space at these gatherings, creating small groups of commu-nal eaters. This arrangement means people are free to move around and talk to other small groups if they please.

Figure [22] A Standing Buff et

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A group of people sit on the side of a table during a feast. Feeding each other food, the people seem in fes-tive spirit in this eating arrangement. Perhaps these day’s people do not enjoy the idea of being fed food.

Figure [49] Friends on Knee’s

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This banquet is a diff erent formation to the previous example. Separate tables part of a communal whole. Smaller groups created.

Figure [48] Large banquet Hall

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A group of woman gather to communally enjoy a Christmas meal. Two rectangular tables are either side of a central corridor. In this room arrangement the food takes the centre of the room instead of the tables.

Figure [23] A Christmas dinner celebration

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If communal eating is an essential component of human society, then the table is a crucial element of communal eating.

In essence a table is a surface held vertically by components. Simple in na-ture and simple in function. It’s one important characteristic is it is creat-ed for people, an object for people to use and be around. Limitless things can unfold around a table, you can dance on it, stand on it, sleep on it, fool around under it, put something on the table, play games … the possibilities are endless. These activities hold one thing in common, they bring people to the table both physically and mentally, the table becomes a catalyst for social communication.

The tables shape and size determines how people are positioned around it and also in the room, its surface also determines the space between people. The table divides and infl uences the space in many diff erent ways, but per-haps most importantly the space around the able is also enclosed, by the room it resides in. This space in-between becomes essential in the design of a refectory space in the Pilgrim Hostel.

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A communal meal takes place at this large oak table. People are close together with plates and food at suitable distance. Candles line the centre of the room providing light across the food and the faces of the people at the table. The table’s dimensions create a comfortable distance between people across the table for engaging in conversation.

Figure [47] Feast at Oak Table

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Figure [24] A game of footsie under the table

Figure [25] A Family Around the table

Figure [26] Dancing on the table

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This table is of similar size and proportion as the image on the opposite page, the only diff erence is the seating, separate seats are attached to the table itself. This type of separation does not lend itself well to a communal meal.

Figure [46] Seperate Seating

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A family gathers around the picnic table – The table size is adequate enough for the family to have a meal and engage in conversation. The singular benches add to the communal feel of the meal.

Figure [45] Outside Family Meal

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A table of peasants and a table of royalty both seem to exist in this image. The table of peasants is surrounded by animals, while the table of royalty sits on elegant chairs. Separate tables create a clear division between the two groups. Natural light enters the room through windows high above the ground level. The peasants share a communal bench to sit around the table, while the royalty have individual seats.

Figure [27] Royalty + Peasants

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In this image the talbe becomes the stage for activities around it. People appear to be performing around the king at the table. The space around the table in this in-stance is just as important as the space on the table.

Figure [28] Party Table

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Under a large tree sits the small picnic table. Four peo-ple sit comfortably around its centre. Close and intimate the table creates a relaxing environment for the people to engage in conversation. Perhaps the man perched on the edge could longs to sit at this picnic table.

Figure [44] Solace under the tree

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A feast taking place around a circular table. An array of seating exists around the table. People sitting at diff er-ent heights and positions. The arrangement of a circu-lar table means people close to you are easy to com-municate with, but across the table the people seem distant, despite sharing the same table.

Figure [29] Crampecd Circle

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Isolated from the whole, the woman pictured at the bottom of the table feels the eff ects of such a long table. Whether she wanted to sit alone or not, the women fi nds herself isolated .Perhaps in some instances the benefi t of a large table is it allows people to make a choice to sit alone or communally.

Figure [43] Infi nite Picnic Table

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Group of people sitting at large picnic table. People hold conversations across the table and not along it, a common occurrence in tables of such length. The distances are too large from the table to share a communal conversation. More likely smaller groups of private conversations take place.

Figure [42] Outside Gathering

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Three sizes of table exist in this image. The rectangular tables are cramped and have limited space. The square table is spacious and peasants are per-forming around its edges. This separation of tables gives signifi cance to the person at the square table. The room appears tall in nature with large vertical openings.

Figure [30]Queens Meal

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This table is long, winding and seemingly never ending. Its unusual shape follows the boundary of its enclosure, which in this instance is the edge of the garden. While utilizing the shape of the enclosure the table becomes an abnormal length, leaving the people at the ends of the table a huge distance from one and other. Small pockets of conver-sation began to happen and although physically separated, conversa-tions at the table are split.Figure [41] Winding Table

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Da Vinci’s famous painting uses the table as a key element in the composition of the painting. Centered on the table, the focus of the painting is towards the Centre of the image. The apostles are positioned at diff erent angles and heights around the rectangular table. An arched window is promi-nent in the background.

Figure [31] The Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci –

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In this painting a range of activities take place around a circular table. The faces of the people around the table are softly light with the light from the candles in the Centre of the table, giving prom-inence to the faces. Two whispering pairs share secrets at either end of the table. Because of the distance the table has created at either side, these pairs feel safe that there conversations won’t be overheard.

Figure [32] A Wedding in Cana – Jan Cornelisz, 1515-

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Here a woman sits alone at a small table, a man gazes at her longingly. The tables here sit across from each oth-er, without being connected they speak to each other and have some sort of relationship. They encourage the man and woman to exchange glances and conversation.

Figure [40] Seperate Table’s Film Scene 2

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Separate table’s is a 1950 American drama Film. Many of the fi lms scenes take place around tables. In this image the vast all stare at one man at a table dining alone, by sitting alone he draws attention and intrigue to himself.

Figure [39] Seperate Table’s Film Scene 1

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A crammed table with a glowing Jesus at its focal point. His position at the head of the table gives him prominence over others at the table. The table’s enclosure is large; windows are high on the containing walls and light casts down on to the table from above. The tables off centre placement in the room is unusual.

Figure [33] Marriage in Cana – Jacopo Robusti, 1534

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Centered on this image is a crooked table. Unusual in shape its arrangement of peo-ple around it is also peculiar. The point of the table seems to indicate the most im-portant member of the table and draws the eye. The top end of the table I congested and busy while the bottom end is spacious and comfortable.

Figure [34] Marriage Fest at Cana – Hieronymus Bosch, 1561 –

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Cast of the fi lm sit around the table. The distance be-tween each side of the table seems comfortable and in-timate. Candles hanging from the celling provide a soft lighting above head height.

Figure [38] Cast of the fi lm sit around the table.

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The large window at the end of the room attracts the gaze. Tables and benches are made of timber. The seamlessly benches mean no separation is created be-tween people when seated, forces people to commu-nally share a seat.

Figure [37] Still of the Great Hall

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In this image the people around the table are clustered in two’s. Seemingly whispering and telling stories they do not seem interested in communal conversations. The darkness behind the table suggests a room with no natural light and perhaps the whispers of people are sinister.

Figure [35] Table of Darkness

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4 long tables run the length of a large hall. The natural light comes mainly from the large window at the end of the room. An ambient glow is provided by the candles on the table.

Figure [36] The Great Hall in Harry Potter –

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