09/02/23: On inspiration, materiality and the feast

The feast . . . where heightened consciousness of specific foods and ingredients leads to heightened consciousness of materials in general and thus inspires architectural responses that celebrate all aspects of materiality . . .

Is this possible without reducing the relationship between food and architecture down to a contrived metaphor? I believe it is possible – provided is seen only as the inspiration for the latter, not as the model. Inspirations encourage exploration and extension of a subject, whereas models encourage imitation and confine thoughts within the predetermined limits of the original form. Inspirations permit free flow between realms of experiences, whereas models force one to keep focus on a specific domain. Inspirations can come to anyone, from anywhere, at any time, and create a 3-dimensional web from which to create and craft a design. Models are based upon predecessors and create lines and patterns of design thinking which, in comparison, lack depth and soul.

The crispness of an apple can surely inspire design, but to simplify its qualities into literal imitation of materiality would be only superficial, and would be quite ineffective in evoking the same emotional response. The surprisingly pleasant burst of sweet juice that sprays the inside of the mouth as one’s teeth break through the taut red skin . . . the satisfyingly firm, white flesh that, when chewed, exposes its granularity to the roof of one’s mouth . . . the noticing of nuances in texture and flavour of different varieties of apples . . . the memories of orchards, of markets, of grandmothers’ apple pies . . . these aspects cannot be experienced through mere physical manifestation. A full appreciation of an apple’s significance and beauty also relies on the emotional associations and triggered responses arising from one’s personal experiences, and an awareness of how, why, where, when and by whom that apple came to be.