An ever-changing urban-public space makes hospitality difficult. . Urban territory is dynamic, chaotic, and uncontrollable, whereas being a host relies on controlling one's environment. The relationship between host and setting is essential, each interacting with the other. The setting, created by the host, is a factor in assessing the experience of hospitality. Responsibility for controlling the setting, accentuating its positive attributes and decorating rests solely on the host. In the transition from private to public space, we lose control over the setting: lighting, music, climate, organizing the space and even the choice of guests. The lack of control undermines our confidence and feeling of belonging to the place.

To help residents enjoy their gardens and feel comfortable inviting friends to visit them, we are trying to strengthen connections to public space by two measures: exporting the sense of control a host normally has over his/her own living room, and symbolically altering visual outdoor aspects.