Claire Gruber

How can we Challenge Contemporary Notions of Dining?

capstone by Claire Gruber

“Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal. “ - Julia Child

1

The Ritual of Eating Fast Food mcdonald’s

N

3/8” = 1’

before The food is placed on treys. It is wrapped in paper or put in cartons.

The table is small and narrow. The seat is hard and uncomfortable.

during

The food is unwrapped. The treys are offset to create space. The meals are shared between participants.

after

The wrappers and food remnants are gathered onto the treys. The crumbs are swiped up. The participants dispose of their mess and begin the procession home.

3/4� = 1’

2

The Ritual of Eating on the Sofa my apartment

N

3/8” = 1’

before

The television is on and the oven is preheated. Guests begin to arrive.

during

A chair is pulled in to accommodate the guests. The meal competes with schoolwork and television. For some, the table is an ottoman; for others it is one’s lap. Pizza is being served and the choice to use cutlery is individual.

after

Dinner is consumed, but guests remain until the show is over. Plates are scattered across all surfaces.

Bodies begin to stretch out.

Participants slowly disperse.

1/2� = 1’

3

The Ritual of Eating at the Family Table

my childhood kitchen table

N

3/8” = 1’

before

The table is set for five while dinner is being prepared. All participating family members are called to the table.

during

Only four guests make it to the table.

The dishes are passed around. Dinner is swiftly consumed. Some go for seconds.

after

The table is slowly cleared. Dishes are designated to be hand-washed or dish-washed. Chairs are pushed back in. Participants disperse throughout the home.

3/4� = 1’

4

The Ritual of Fine Dining the precinct

N

3/8” = 1’

before

The ritual begins at home as participants shower and dress for the meal. Guests arrive by car and are corralled in the restaurant’s foyer. They wait as their table is arranged.

during

The guests are seated in the front dining room at a long and narrow table. Drinks are ordered. Slowly each course is brought to the table.

after

The dishes are cleared from the table, but the participants remain. Drinks continue to be consumed. The check is brought to the table. The guests leave the restaurant and process home.

3/4� = 1’

research conclusions: The meals explored in the primary research serve as evidence of the dining ritual becoming a largely commoditized and emotionless experience.

By focusing on physical form and emotional proximity, one can design a space that emphasizes the dining ritual and build a program around that need.

Family Room

Kitchen

Owner’s Suite

Guest Suite

Dining Room

Entry Library

N

1/8” = 1’

Section 1 1/2”=1’

Library

Garden

Kitchen

Bedrooms

Upon entry into the home, one is immediately greeted with the Library. This space is intended to store cook books.

There are also desk surfaces for research.

The octagonal shape of the dining room created several courtyards. These allowed for gardens where fresh herbs and produce could be grown.

The Kitchen is a foil to the dining room.

It is the space where meals are prepared.

It intentionally lacks any “eat-in” area to reinforce the importance of the dining area.

The owner’s suite and guest rooms are designed for rest and digestion between meals. They are compact to encourage the use of the communal space.

Perspectiv

View 1

ve 1

Table

Procession

Seat

Niche

The table is solid. It rests at the center of the The dining room is the through-way to The seat is wrapped in soft leather and A niche is positioned at each entrance home and is made of stone. In many ways it all rooms within the home and the main proportioned to encourage comfort and point into the dining space to place phones can be thought of as an alter. It mimics the vista from most windows to reinforce its an ease of eating. It is shaped to mirror the and other electronic devices. This space is shape of the outer room to emphasize the significance within this home. There is a table and also encourage conversation. There considered sacred within the home and the significance of this sacred space. There is carved journey that each participant must is only one entrance point into the dining distractions of the outside world are not no hierarchy at this table. Designated place follow to reach the table. Further, the act of space, forcing guests to gather together. It invited in. The table is also surrounded by settings are etched in the table top to signify drawing the curtains to begin the meal is the is intentionally difficult to come and go from layers of sheer fabric to further enforce an a oneness between meal and space. last step in the procession. ones seat. idea of spacial intimacy.

View 4

Morning The crisp morning light helps wake up those living in the home. During the week this is often a faster meal and can be more casual.

Afternoon The afternoon light is such that the overhead fixture is not necessary. The natural light flowing into the rooms offers a comforting backdrop to a quiet lunch or afternoon tea.

Evening The atmosphere created in the evening casts a warm glow on the table and dinner guests. This adds another layer of spatial intimacy.

View 3

View 4

View 5

In times such as these, it is the little moments - the rituals that nourish our human spirit.