Symbio-tea-C

Maliha Ahmed

Minus Design

Bangladesh

Mousumi Kabir

Minus Design

Bangladesh

Imtiaz Hossain Shad

Minus Design

Bangladesh

Project Description

Symbiosis (adj. Symbiotic) originates from biology, meaning a mutually beneficial relationship. We apply this concept to reimagine tea stalls in urban spaces. The concept is not site-specific, rather intends to be applied across South Asia.

Tea stalls are cultural hubs, offering both tea and a space for social exchange. While traditional stalls function effectively, their placement often prioritizes seller convenience over pedestrian accessibility. Our proposal introduces a two-part system: The Host (a fixed city-planned structure) and The Guest (a mobile tea cart), forming a co-dependent, symbiotic relationship.

The Guest, operated by the tea seller, is a cart equipped with essentials-stove, kettle, water, cups, cigarettes and snacks. However, it deliberately lacks certain elements to encourage reliance on The Host.

The Host, designated by city planners, offers docking space, counter extensions, seating, garbage disposal, lighting, and shade provisions. It is modular, with four combinable components adaptable to available space. While planning it should be considered that there is sufficient points like this, enough to replace the existing structures.

This structured system creates balance: The Guest remains mobile, ensuring the stall is cleared after business hours while allowing vendors to relocate to busier areas during festivals and events. When unoccupied, The Host functions as urban furniture, maintaining aesthetic and practical value.

By integrating planned infrastructure with flexible vending, our proposal enhances both vendor livelihoods and urban organization, ensuring tea stalls remain accessible, functional, and sustainable within cityscapes.