Introduction
What is a hearth?
- The floor of a fireplace, usually extending into a room and paved with brick, flagstone, or cement.
- Family life; the home.
What does "hearth" symbollically idealise?
- Warmth.
- Centralisation.
- Welcoming.
- Friendship.
- Good faith.
The fire has played a prominent role in the mythology of most cultures:
“The two most apparent qualities of fire are that of bringing light and warmth. These two qualities make for an easy association with the Sun. Fire can be seen as a bit of the Sun, captures and contained. For early gathering and hunting tribes, fire and the Sun may have had more to do with protection, warmth, tribal migrations and/or the return of certain animals.”
- Willow Ragan.
The Architecture Faculty’s Hearth was established in order to provide a means for the students and staff to congregate and collaborate. The fact Artos Café was placed inside the Hearth is of great importance. Essentially, the presence of the Café inside the Hearth is intended to enhance the vibe, experience and convenience on top of the ideals of a hearth. Our installation is aimed at enhancing the café experience by bringing the Hearth alive. Currently, the true ideals of a hearth have not been invoked; the café is still quite a sterile, conservative and static environment.