Establishments that produce and serve alcohol have been pillars of communities since the foundation of civilization. A pub or public house has been the birthplace of many of the most important ideas in history. By providing a space free of the stricter social conventions that can restrict thought and expression and by arranging program and designing with intention we can achieve a space for a stronger sense of pride and community. It will, ideally, be an institution of the community, as important as the town hall, library, and school, one that instills pride in the community.

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This work of architecture can be a place for groups of friends who might not otherwise interact to come together and bond through conversation, expression, and ideas, thus strengthening the community outside as a whole. Carl Jung said “the meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” What will promote this reaction will be the array of active engagement that the establishment will offer from a few friendly games of pool or darts, to a stage where a local band can play while people let loose on the dance floor. Even a quiet conversation over candle light while overlooking the stream. These activities will allow for different demographics to come together and enjoy what they please without the pressure of having to stay seated while twiddling thumbs as they try to think of what to say next. The goal of these activities are to act as small intermissions in the structure of our lives, allowing us to flow without resistance into new ideas or channels much like the Cobbosseecontee stream into the Kennebec River.

As the establishment matures, it will be able to export to the state and perhaps beyond, and grow the industry as well as the social cultural historic significance of Gardiner.

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