The Spatial Design Of Food Sharing Initiatives: A Case Study Of Selected Soup Kitchens In Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

The goal of soup kitchens is to relieve the marginalized members of society of food insecurity by providing them with food and basic household necessities. There is limited information surrounding the spaces of soup kitchens and its ability to facilitate socialization; more so in Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the spaces that can promote socialization in soup kitchens and identify the effectiveness of the soup kitchen spaces present in select case studies in Kuala Lumpur. Through literature reviews, case studies, questionnaires and interviews, the Medan Tuanku Feeding Centre and Kechara Soup Kitchen were investigated. Out of the 15 soup kitchens reviewed, 11 of them were known to facilitate socialization, all of which have kitchens and dining areas. This contrasts with the two case studies which have only either one of those spaces. The findings revealed how the space responds to the unique functions of each study, be it oriented to the public or geared towards its external activities. An understanding of the roles and functions of the case studies leads to the suggestion of modifications which could potentially improve the functions of the buildings. As for one of the case studies, the suggestions were reviewed among the volunteers with mixed but mostly positive response. Despite having some overlap in their services, both case studies have spatial designs that are heavily dictated by their unique functions and tailored to effectively execute them.