Rhythm of tea

Tamkang University, College of Engineering, Department of Architecture, Danshui District, New Taipei City

Project idea

The tea culture has a history of 4,500 years, and Luye only accounts for a short half-century of that 4,500-year history, but because of that short time, the tea farmers here are more dedicated to making a good cup of tea than anyone else. However, the only thing people remember about Luye are flying umbrellas and hot air balloons. Tea, as a vehicle to continue people's conversation and communication, the Japanese culture emphasizes physical action and incorporates rituals to form the tea room space. Chinese culture emphasizes communication and mixes different functions to form teahouses and tea houses. So how can Taiwan and Luye, which focus on a good cup of tea, extend the tea experience? What is the space of a good cup of tea?

Project description

The spirit of the space is the transformation of the rhythm of tea, and the architectural interface is studied to regulate the rhythm of the space, and the "box-like interweaving system" is designed to achieve the gradual change of the rhythm of the space. Through the metal box unit and glass fin unit, we control the spatial elements such as light and shadow, halo, image, and closure, and form a stable structural system with the interweaving of units. The space is represented by the interweaving of the units. Through the box-like interweaving system, the rhythm is controlled
to create 7 types of rhythm for the 7 stages of tea making.

Technical information

The entire facade of the building is covered by a box-like interwoven system constructed with metal aluminum panels and tempered glass. This system allows for the control of various elements such as light and shadow, halos, images, illusions, and enclosure within different spaces. Through the manipulation of spatial charm, it supports and enhances the craftsmanship of Red Oolong tea. I have created distinct spaces for each of the seven tea-making processes of Red Oolong. Each space possesses a unique appearance due to the different configurations of the system. Light and shadow, as well as images, engage in dialogue with the various materials used in the architecture, allowing each material and activity to shine in its own way.