CULTURALLY SENSITIVE DINING
Own sketch - Variety of Utensils used by different cultures
One issue I am undecided about it how to be culturally sensitive to different cultures when dining. Allowing people to be uphold their religion and engage with others. After much internet research about how different religions eat, I must say there is much conflicting information. Some devout religious beliefs are very strict on the manner in which they dine, not only with prohibited foods, but the way the must eat and the ritual or prayer or ablution beforehand. Islam, Judaism and Christianity have the most rituals, all are varied, and all have its extremists. Hinduism and Buddism tend not to practice ritual and are more contemplative about their beliefs.
Own sketch - 1:20 sketch of Variety of Dining seating used by different cultures - not to scale -
see dimensions from Neuferts Architects data below for accurate scaling
see dimensions from Neuferts Architects data below for accurate scaling
I think the only way to deal with this is to dine in a typically Australian way, which will allow a variety of cultures to become accustomed to typical Australia dining experience.
I had considered a Islamic Ablution area (a place to wash hands, feet, & face before meals) on approach to the dining hall, which could be used by others. I am unsure if this is permitted or sensitive, so I think by adherely to one religion it may cause discrimination within another. Very risky. A place to wash hands may be appropriate and any additional washing can be done in personal facilities prior to dining.
Perhaps an outdoor, public one, such as this, or a pond/fountain, could be more appropriate than an indoor one which takes up valuable space, and excludes others.
Space for prayer at Mosque- image from Neuferts Architects Data, 2000 - dimension in centimetres
EXPLORATION OF DINING LAYOUT
Image from Neuferts Architects Data, 2000 - dimension in centimetres
The diagram above seems to be the most space efficient solution as round table configurations take up more space. As open, flat, space is at a premium, and a compact floor plan is efficient use of materials, i think this layout is important. The diagonal tables can be moved togther for larger seating arrangements which are also more efficient and offers flexibility.
Image from Neuferts Architects Data, 2000 - dimension in centimetres
The diagram above proves that the square table is most efficient. However the flexibility and multiple variations of the trapezoidal tables could offer some better dining experiences. This would be in terms of easy communication accross the table when in large groups. The circular format tend to be too far a distance for communication when table size is increased.
Image from Neuferts Architects Data, 2000 - dimension in centimetres
Image from Neuferts Architects Data, 2000 - dimension in centimetres
Image from Neuferts Architects Data, 2000 - dimension in centimetres
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