There is no need a closed place to create an authority place. Sometimes a thing which creates boundary is enough to create the authority. For instance, a table can create an authority place. It can be a dining table or an interview table etc. The important thing is (at least) two people is communicating through the table and if one of them has (more) power/authority compared to other or giving an order, that situation makes the table an authority place.
Architecture in Relation 