Draft Site Map and Introduction Paragraph
A modern kitchen is far from being a place where food is cooked only. This is the space where people cook, eat, socialize, watch TV, read, make plans (schedules, shopping lists), and even work. Of course, people mainly cook food and eat in this area, but other activities are also very common. The site will be preserved well enough, but it might be still difficult to reconstruct its use properly. Therefore, archaeologists are likely to understand the major purpose of the area but will fail to reconstruct the full picture and understand the space, people, and epoch correctly.
Essay
Thus, kitchen utensils perform their particular roles, but the refrigerator stands out as it has additional tasks. A built-in touchscreen makes it a kitchen hub that contains valuable information for the family. Importantly, there are several items used for cooking food (oven, microwave oven, and cooker) and these appliances are used to perform different tasks (baking, frying, boiling, and so on). The cupboard contains kitchenware and crockery. On the windowsill, there is also a pot with a plant. The LCD TV is not the major kitchen appliance, but it is often there for people to watch (to entertain themselves). Since the place is abandoned abruptly, there might be an iPad left on the table, though some may take this device instead of more relevant (in case of emergency) things. These portable devices are always in very different areas of people’s houses, so there are high chances that one can be on the kitchen table. It is necessary to add that the special arrangement serves the major purpose (cooking and consuming food) while entertaining oneself with the help of modern devices (TV, smart refrigerator, iPad).
It is difficult to foresee what features and artifacts will be preserved after the excavation of the site as there could be natural disasters or a different climate. Provided the environment will not change and there will be no destruction (natural disasters, wars, and so on), the furniture will preserve well. The furniture is mainly made of wood and plastic, and the appliances are plastic, which makes the decay time almost unlimited. The floor and walls will also be preserved. Clearly, the plant and the food in the fridge (or other places will decay). It is necessary to note that certain parts will still be damaged or destroyed as there are metal parts and metals decay within the period mentioned. Therefore, it is possible to assume that the hinges will be severely damaged and some doors of the cupboard and kitchen appliances will be on the floor.
The decay will make the archeological reconstruction of the site more difficult. It is also important to remember that people who will live in the future are likely to have different appliances (if any), tools, and so on. The difference in ways of life and technological development of the societies may also make it difficult for archaeologists of the future to reconstruct the site. Nevertheless, archaeologists are likely to identify the primary purpose of the area correctly. The table, kitchenware (remaining parts), and crockery will shed light on the major activities. Crockery has remained almost unchanged since ancient times, so another millennium is unlikely to change it. Notably, archaeologists can come to false conclusions concerning the plant pot as they may think it is another crockery item. Again, it depends on the way people will treat plants in the society of the future.
However, the appliances may change significantly within 1000 years. Archaeologists may find it particularly difficult to understand the use of the oven and microwave oven. Both items are very similar, but they still perform quite different roles. Archaeologists might guess that the two appliances are for cooking food (but for different portions). For example, they might assume that the microwave oven serves to cook small portions. As for the cooker, it is possible to understand that pans (or other items) are placed in particular places to cook food. Remnants of food containers can help archaeologists understand the role this item performs. It is possible to figure out that certain conditions (temperature) are created in that item as there are such parts as tubes and wire.
The reconstruction of the use of devices can be the most difficult task for archaeologists if there are no similar items in their society (and no facts about the way people lived in the past). The LCD TV may be regarded as a fixture (something similar to a painting). Archaeologists may also fail to understand that the refrigerator performed different tasks other than storing food. Finally, the iPad can be regarded as a small cutting board.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to note that archaeologists of the future are likely to reconstruct the site partially. They will identify the major purpose of the area and will be able to explain the use of many objects. However, they may fail to detect other activities performed in the kitchen. Such aspects as communication (through devices), entertainment (TV, iPad), making plans, and lists (smart refrigerator) will remain undisclosed.