THESIS - FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

"It doesn't matter if you are Black, White, or Brown - you eat. It doesn't matter if you are Christian, Buddhist, or Muslim - you eat. The foods we eat around the world are vastly different but the connection we have with food and the act of eating is something we can all relate to. This universality allows food to create a true opportunity for universal understanding. When you realize that a father halfway around the world just wants to provide and feed his children like any other good father, you can connect with him on a deeper level. You see this across cultures - the use of food to solidify an understanding between people."

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- Global Gastros

Concept Statement:

Food for Thought: A Cultural Experience (Food for Thought, for short) is a two hundred, sixty-eight thousand square foot dining destination designed to create opportunities for intercultural connection by establishing food as a common factor that unites us all. The venue will accomplish this by creating a celebratory environment that allows guests to experience food-associated attractions and experiences through themed countries representing the six continents. Featuring hands-on demonstrations and interactive entertainment, guests will connect with friends and strangers alike to learn about different cultures while tasting unique cuisine from around the world. The overall space will feature a blend of nature and manufactured materials resembling a New York aesthetic to create a balance between the formal and informal, producing a neutral space abundant with scenery for all to enjoy. Through the packaging of food-based experiences, cultural exposure, and an open setting, guests will be more receptive to recognizing similarities through moments of shared humanity. Ultimately, the venue will impart the message, “Celebrate what makes us unique while recognizing how we’re all connected.”

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