Adaptive Urban Tea Stall

Elma Mehtaj 

BRAC University

Bangladesh

Mahta Israt Jahan Jui

BRAC University

Bangladesh

Tonima Khan

BRAC University

Bangladesh

Project Description

We reimagine the traditional tea stall as a resilient, multifunctional urban element that transforms with Dhaka's environment. harnessing civic activity with innovative sustainability through its metamorphic structure. 

The design primarily operates as a fully-functional tea stall with an ergonomic preparation area featuring an electric range powered by solar panels. The distinctive funnel-shaped roof harvests rainwater through an integrated filtration system while also occasionally sprouting as a tiny fountain to create a cooling effect during intense heat waves. The harvested water is accessed through the sink and used for tea-making, creating a self-sustaining operation that functions independent of unreliable urban infrastructure. 

Beyond refreshment. the stall transforms to serve community needs. Its counter body disassembles into seating cubes, while an extendable backdrop for graffiti and public art fosters democratic gatherings. also serving as a busking ground for young musicians. This flexibility creates a platform for public expression that adapts to various social functions. 

Sustainability drives every aspect: solar power ensures clean energy generation, and rainwater harvesting provides reliable water access. In rest mode, all elements contract into a secure, enclosed box with shutters that lock down over countertops for safety. Through its cyclical. adaptive design, this simple tea stall transforms into an environmentally resilient community asset that responds to Dhaka's challenges while celebrating its vibrant social fabric.