Seven conversation pits that bring people and rooms together

For our latest lookbook, we've put together a roundup of contemporary takes on the classic conversation pit, installed into projects ranging from houses to retail spaces to create places for gathering.

First rising to popularity in the middle of the 20th century, conversation pits are sunken areas lined with seating that often feature small tables or inventive steps that give access to the space.

This architectural furniture can come in many shapes and sizes, and many studios are taking unique approaches to the mid-century look, choosing material palettes and forms that better suit contemporary spaces.

From a stark-white conversation pit for a modelling agency to use as a backdrop, to angular variations that fit into limited spaces for urban renovation projects, these seven projects push the limits of the form.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring member's clubs, sculptural coffee tables and pull-out furniture.

Clay House, UK, by Bureau de Change

This conversation pit fits the contours of a portion of a house extension in London and features a small set of stairs.

It has tile floors and a small ledge against the windows with a larger ledge covered in upholstered cushions. The angular pit was designed to reference Victorian boxing rings.

Find out more about Clay House ›

Magnum Opus, USA, by Kelly Wearstler and Masastudio

This rectangular conversation pit was included in the pool house of a sprawling residence in California.

It sits below a skylight in a black-plaster ceiling and features plush grey cushioning hemmed in by a concrete ledge. Lamps decorate its concrete ledge, while a brass coffee table sits in the middle.

Find out more about Mangum Opus ›

Casa Alférez, Mexico, by Ludwig Godefroy

This conversation pit brings a pop of colour to the otherwise stark interior of a brutalist house in a pine forest outside of Mexico City.

The pit itself is quite shallow and has cushions spread completely around its base, with cylindrical cushions pushed up against the edges.

Find out more about Casa Alférez ›

Madhappy, USA, by PlayLab Inc

Located in a retail space in Los Angeles, this conversation pit sits in front of a display with speakers. Its steps and floor are a continuation of the carpet in the rest of the space.

Sky-blue couches line the circular space, which has aluminium side tables placed on the inside.

Find out more about Madhappy ›

The Pinky Ring, USA, by Bruno Mars and Yabu Pushelberg

This cocktail lounge in Las Vegas has a large sunken area in the middle that resembles a massive conversation pit lined with plush green upholstery.

It creates a separate level from the bar and circulation areas and even has smaller table-and-chair setups spread throughout.

Find out more about The Pinky Ring ›

The Plaster House, UK, by Sonn

Another rear extension to a residence in London, this seating area takes cues from the conversation pit, such as the plush cushions and recessed placement, but has an L-form that wraps around only halfway.

The primary purpose for the placement was for users of the couch to sit level with the garden and for the windows to let in as much light as possible.

Find out more about Plaster House ›

The Blow Models office, Spain, by Isern Serra

This office for a modeling agency in Spain offers not one but two conversation pits, organised on either side of another pit that holds plants.

The recessed seating has soft, white cushions to match the paint that covers nearly all the interior, and was meant to create interesting landscapes for photoshoots.

Find out more about the Blow Models office ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring member's clubs, sculptural coffee tables and pull-out furniture.

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