Project Description

Inspired by the iconic British telephone booth, The Tea Booth reimagines the traditional tea stop as a dynamic, compact social space that blends nostalgia with modern adaptability. Occupying a modest 6' x 6' footprint, the square shape enhances booth's adaptability, making it ideal for cul- de-sacs, urban courtyards (chowks), or plazas, depending on the setting. The design goes beyond just providing tea; it functions as a striking volume in the urban landscape that creates spaces around it, encouraging public interaction.

The booth is framed with metal sections (4" and 1.5") with panels as enclosure made from upcycled wood, Both the metal framing and wood panels are painted in bright red, creating a striking element in the urban landscape. One defining feature of the design is its four semi openable panels, which creates vibrant space around the booth. Each panel opens from the bottom, forming a sturdy tabletop supported by metal chains and hinges. For seating, small plastic stackable chairs are provided. To enhance placemaking, retractable awnings are provided over the booth which serve multiple functions in the context of urban interaction. Not only do they offer shade and shelter, it can be extended to create a slight sense of privacy around the tea stall, offering a semi-enclosed atmosphere that encourages conversations in a more personal setting while still remaining open to the surrounding public space.

To further enhance the sustainability, solar panels are integrated into the roof design to make the stall self-sufficient to some extent.