Celebrating Tea

Mehjabin Shahedee Prionti

University of Asia Pacific

Bangladesh

MD. Taslimul Bari

University of Asia Pacific

Bangladesh

Meheru Mehjabin Preontee

University of Asia Pacific

Bangladesh

Project Description

Inspired by traditional South Asian tea stalls, our design merges nostalgia with functionality. We observed these stalls as vital social hubs, offering affordable refreshments and a relaxed atmosphere, often centered around a shared television. This led to our concept: the 'Toy Gun,' reflecting childhood memories. The design features a fixed core, a compact service area for tea preparation and storage, prioritizing efficiency. This core is complemented by a flexible, modular extension, a lightweight structure creating a shaded seating area. Utilizing cost-effective, vernacular and sustainable materials, this adaptable extension allows for dynamic expansion and configuration changes, catering to varying spaces and customer flows. Our goal is to recreate the informal, community-centric ambiance of traditional stalls, fostering conversation and shared experiences. By combining a fixed service point with a flexible seating area, we create a dynamic social space that preserves the essence of South Asian tea culture within the urban context. We propose placing these tea stalls in diverse urban spaces like pocket spaces, dead ends, and under banyan trees, aiming to enhance social cohesion and cultivate a sense of community among residents.