This thesis investigates the intersection of food, identity, space, culture, and community, arguing that food serves as more than sustenance—it is a narrative tool that connects individuals to their heritage and environment. Through shared meals, food fosters community, creating spaces where joy and belonging are cultivated. A key focus of the thesis is Project Otenga, a now-closed café that embodied cultural exchange and social interaction, highlighting the impermanence of spaces that nurture identity. The project views food as both an art form and a reflection of life's transience, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of these experiences. The research underscores the importance of multi-sensorial design in experiential dining, creating immersive environments that engage all the senses. Ultimately, the thesis argues that self-identification is central to community building, and through food, individuals can foster deeper connections and more inclusive, joyful communities.
Sensory Architecture || Cultural Identity || Experiential Design || Community Engagement || Space & Transience