The front porch of the tenement building where I reside has become my focal point for observation. During my comings and goings, I’ve frequently encountered groups of people congregating and engaging in conversation on the porch. Intrigued by this social hub, I began to observe their interactions more closely, aiming to understand the porch’s functions and the underlying reasons for its popularity.
Demographically speaking, the groups that assemble on the porch tend to be predominantly young or middle-aged individuals, with a higher representation of males than females. Temporally, the gatherings often occur in the afternoons. Observing the activities of these individuals, I noted that the porch serves as a venue for two primary pastimes: socializing with friends and browsing their phones.
Sometimes, the porch’s layout facilitates the division of activities between its two sides. For instance, I’ve observed occasions where a group of individuals waiting for friends congregates on the porch but engages in separate activities based on gender. In one instance, women chat cheerfully on one side, while men quietly browse their phones on the other. This setup creates a sense of two distinct spaces, akin to separate rooms, where people can comfortably engage in different activities. Upon the arrival of their friends, they exchange greetings and depart together.
During my observations of the gatherings on the porch, I’ve noted that most individuals tend to physically interact with the two pedestals. They frequently sit upon them or lean against them, which is illustrated in the images. Curious about their design, I measured the dimensions of the pedestals and found that they are 5 feet in length, 20 inches in width, and 32 and a half inches in height, dimensions that are well-suited to ergonomic use.
Compared to other porches in the same neighborhood, this one appears more welcoming. Where other porches are either outfitted with handrails atop the pedestals, adorned with planters, or lack pedestals entirely, this porch features unobstructed pedestals that could be used for sitting, creating an open and inviting ambiance.
