Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: custom tables

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

I find that the noise level at meals is directly proportionate to the size of 
the tables. I enter the CH from a second floor corridor to a walkway that 
overlooks the dining room. I can tell how the tables are arranged when I open 
the door.

If they are in the usual three long lines of tables, the sound is pretty 
deafening.

If it is a quiet murmur, I know the tables are arranged individually with 4-6 
at a table.

Many people, however, prefer the large tables. For one thing, at a large table 
you can talk to a variety of people throughout the meal. Right, left. Across, 
down the way, farther down the way, etc. And easily change seats as people 
leave or change seats themselves.

At small tables you are limited to "those who brung ya". If you change seats, 
it is obvious who you are leaving behind because you are going to another 
table. Unless you have a particular intimate 4-some that you want to sit with, 
4 is hard and 6 still a bit restrictive.

I think the traditional dining hall table that is along and narrow had a 
function — and we need better acoustics to accommodate our hearing.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org