In a book "A Pattern Language, Christopher Alexander", I noticed the following passages from the chapter "The Fire"
Assume then that we are to have some kind of fireplace - perhaps something entirely simple, but an open fire nonetheless. Where should we put it? There are four points to consider:
1. Certainly, the main fireplace should be located in the common area of the house. It will help to draw people together in this area, and when it is burning, it provides a kind of counterpoint to conversation.
2. However, the fireplace should be in view for people passing through the room and people in adjoining rooms, especially the kitchen. The fire will tend to pull people in and make it more likely for the family to gather. And also it is good to view the fire in passing. A welcome time for a fire is in the evening when the family is gathering for the evening meal; and the activity tends to balance between the kitchen and the fire.
3. Make certain, too, that there is a space where people can sit in front of the fire; and that this space is not cut by paths between doors or adjacent rooms.
4. And be sure that the fire is not a dead place when the fire is not burning. A fireplace without a fire, full of ashes and dark, will turn the chairs away, unless the chairs which face the fire when it is lit face something else - a window, or activity, or a view - when it is not lit. Only then will the circle of chairs which forms around the fire be stable and keep the place alive, both when the fire is burning and when it isn't.
Just thought I would mention it. I tried to incorporate some of what he said.
Assume then that we are to have some kind of fireplace - perhaps something entirely simple, but an open fire nonetheless. Where should we put it? There are four points to consider:
1. Certainly, the main fireplace should be located in the common area of the house. It will help to draw people together in this area, and when it is burning, it provides a kind of counterpoint to conversation.
2. However, the fireplace should be in view for people passing through the room and people in adjoining rooms, especially the kitchen. The fire will tend to pull people in and make it more likely for the family to gather. And also it is good to view the fire in passing. A welcome time for a fire is in the evening when the family is gathering for the evening meal; and the activity tends to balance between the kitchen and the fire.
3. Make certain, too, that there is a space where people can sit in front of the fire; and that this space is not cut by paths between doors or adjacent rooms.
4. And be sure that the fire is not a dead place when the fire is not burning. A fireplace without a fire, full of ashes and dark, will turn the chairs away, unless the chairs which face the fire when it is lit face something else - a window, or activity, or a view - when it is not lit. Only then will the circle of chairs which forms around the fire be stable and keep the place alive, both when the fire is burning and when it isn't.
Just thought I would mention it. I tried to incorporate some of what he said.
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