Spilling the soup...

By Grasiela Almeida *

Some weeks ago, in a time when there was a lot of work and not enough time, I decided to have lunch in INESC’s bar. So, just like many others, I ordered my meal and picked a table.

I soon realised something all collaborators of INESC already know: there is no difference in height between the chair and the table. And I don’t even need to go into the subject of ergonomics. The discomfort of the people who have lunch there is notorious, at least judging by the 45º angle their bodies make in front of the repast.

Maybe the bar has initially been designed with the purpose of serving breakfast and snacks, but the truth is the concept has evolved. And if the intention was to make the meal “lighter”, the effect turned out to be precisely the opposite: the juggling we make when we try to take the spoon from the bowl to the mouth is enough to drive us completely nuts.

Before the growing lumbar problems force INESC to review the contract with the insurance company, how about some nice and healthy 90º? The Inesquians would be very thankful.

* Collaborator of the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Unit (UESP)

THE READER’S ADVISOR COMMENTS

Grasiela,

It's uselss to add anything to your words, you've said it all. The original concept was probably out of tune with reality and on top of it there was an original interpretation from the architect. Yes, I don't imagine if the readers of BIP know it, but guess what: the tables and benches were designed by the architect of the building himself.

This is of no comfort to those that undergo martyrdom in our bar. This advisor believes you're right and, sooner or later, this matter of the tables (and benches) in the bar must be re-examined. Some will argue that it is not a priority... but your candid opinion together with many others alike will help in changing priorities.