The Rise of the Communal Dining Table
By Wim Langedijk for HURS
The Rise of the Communal Dining Table
HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.
By HURS Team
1
A Study in Scarlett
Maureen Dowd interviews Scarlett Johansson and speaks on her multifaceted career, and her talents beyond acting. From starting her career as a child actor, Johansson is now promoting her production company’s first film, “Fly Me To The Moon”. They reflect on her journey in the entertainment industry, discussing her ability to seamlessly transition between different roles and genres. Johansson's performance is a testament to her versatility, reinforcing her status as a beloved and dynamic figure in Hollywood with Tom Rothman describing her “as a very rare combination of glamorous, gorgeous,and intelligence”.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Despite the intimacy and privacy typically associated with dining, many eateries are now using shared tables to maximize space and encourage a more social experience. Restaurants like Dinner Party in Brooklyn have embraced this trend, referring to their guests as “family”, wanting to replicate the feeling of being around a well-used table in a space reminiscent of an apartment. This shift is also partly due to economic pressures with the rising cost of supplies, labor, and real estate, as well as the changing social dynamics post-pandemic with the act of eating together, known as “commensality”, being a fundamentally good thing amongst the community.
THE ATLANTIC
Known for their blend of history and functionality, designers Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch opened the doors of Roman and Williams Guild on New York’s infamous Canal Street, including a selection of expertly crafted pieces from Artisans around the world as well as their own designs. Despite coming against knockoffs, they remain committed to quality and integrity and being authentic to their design. Working across the industry with high-profile clients, restaurants, museums - Standefer and Alesch continue to work on architecture, product design, and interiors all under one roof.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
In an interview with Maya Rudolph, she shares her insights and experiences on motherhood. Rudolph reflects on balancing her career and family life, the challenges and joys of raising children, and how her own upbringing influences her parenting style. She gives a candid look into her life, giving advice and wisdom for other working mothers.
THE NEW YORKER INTERVIEW
Dan Fox profiles Primary Information, a New York-based non-profit publisher dedicated to reprinting out-of-print books and artists' publications from influential postwar movements such as conceptual art, Fluxus, and mail art. Founded by James Hoff and Miriam Katzeff in 2007, the aim is to make works accessible to contemporary artists and the public. Emphasizing affordability and broad distribution, Primary Information operates with a mission to bridge historical and contemporary artistic practices, ensuring that pivotal cultural materials remain in circulation and relevant.