Honorable Mention
Tea Stall Design For a Single Mother
Mahdia Rahman
Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology
Bangladesh
Project Description
In the heart of a bustling railway town, where the echoes of passing trains intertwine with the murmurs of everyday life, a mother sets out to build a life for herself and her child. Inspired by the rhythmic chug of the locomotives and the timeless charm of the CRB area, she dreams of a space that is more than just a tea stall—it is a sanctuary of warmth, culture, and survival.
Her tea stall stands humbly along the railway tracks, crafted with salvaged wooden planks and woven bamboo panels. It is compact yet functional, reflecting the adaptability of life itself. The lower level is where she serves steaming cups of tea, infused with the flavors of community and conversation. The small counter, made from repurposed street baskets, becomes a bridge between her and the people who stop by—daily wage workers, travelers, and dreamers like herself.
Above, a ladder leads to her private retreat—a cozy loft that shelters her at night. It is a space of solace, where the distant sound of the railway hums a lullaby to her and her child. The simple wooden bed, a small table by the window, and soft beams of sunlight filtering through the bamboo slats make this dwelling both modest and meaningful.
Every detail of the tea stall tells a story—of heritage, of struggle, of sustainability. The structure is designed for efficiency, utilizing foldable wooden planks that transform with the needs of the day. The openness allows the aroma of boiling tea leaves and freshly baked biscuits to drift into the streets, inviting passersby to pause, to share, to connect.
This is not just a tea stall. It is a symbol of perseverance, of adapting to life’s ever-changing tracks, much like the trains that pass by. It stands as a tribute to the strength of a single mother, who builds a home and a livelihood with her own hands, fueled by the hope that tomorrow will bring new customers, new conversations, and new beginnings.
And so, as dusk settles over the town, the warm glow of the stall flickers like a beacon—calling people in, offering them a cup of tea, a moment of respite, and a taste of home.