Site Analysis
The Elysian Valley area, also known as Frogtown, sits between the LA River path and the 2 and 5 Freeway. It is home to local residents, artists, and activists, with old industrial buildings now used as studios and galleries.
Design Inspiration
My inspiration comes from traditional tea gardens. The layered arrangement of the tea fields inspired the layering design language throughout my design. Tea gardens are often located high in the mountains, where morning mist and dew create a soft, dreamlike atmosphere. I brought this feeling into my space through a layered canopy, creating a foggy effect that reflects the quiet beauty of a tea garden.
Logo Redesign
The final logo uses a circular form to express calm and wholeness. The three leaves symbolize tea and the three hands of a clock, representing time, rhythm, and a mindful redefinition of the tea experience.
Color & Materials
The materials reflect the natural feeling of tea and tea gardens. Walnut adds warmth, limestone brings an earthy touch, and frosted glass creates a soft, mist-like atmosphere inspired by the fog in tea fields.
Design Progress (Floor Plan)
I started with a bubble diagram to organize the locations of different functions.
Then, I applied my design language to develop the overall layout and adding with details.
Next, I added a second level to provide visitors with better views of the surroundings.
Finally, I introduced a foggy canopy to create a soft, misty atmosphere inspired by tea gardens.
Floor Plan Diagram
Entrance
Cashier Desk + Kitchen
Traditional Tea Demo Class
Packaging Area
Outside Sitting Area
Entrance
The entrance is composed of multiple layers of concrete and glass inspired by the terraced forms of tea gardens. The logo is distributed across different glass layers, creating a gradual transition from clear to blurred. This effect evokes the misty atmosphere of a tea garden while adding depth and dimension to the entrance.
Counter
The counter serves as the main area for purchasing tea and food, featuring organic concrete shapes that continue the project’s overall design language. Layered translucent ceiling elements create a soft, mist-like effect, enhancing the atmosphere of a tea garden while adding depth and visual interest to the space.
Packaging Area
The packaging area invites customers to wrap their purchased tea products using traditional packaging techniques. By taking part in the hands-on process, visitors can connect with tea culture and enjoy a more immersive and memorable experience.
Tea Cultural Learning Area
The indoor tea room uses darker materials to create a cozy, enclosed feeling. The surrounding elements make visitors feel embraced by the space, allowing them to slow down, relax, and enjoy a quiet tea experience.
Guests can sign up for tea workshops online and learn traditional tea-making and drinking rituals from experienced instructors. This space offers tea enthusiasts an opportunity to explore tea culture, learn its traditions, and engage in a more meaningful tea experience.
Outdoor Tea Garden
The outdoor tea garden offers a relaxing space to enjoy tea, chat with friends, and take in the LA River views. Surrounded by nature, guests can slow down and escape the busy city.
The organic-shaped, translucent canopy mimics mist floating in the air, creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere. It evokes the feeling of being surrounded by the gentle fog of a tea garden.
The ground features layered, step-like forms inspired by the terraces of tea gardens. These levels create a natural, sculptural landscape where visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy their surroundings.
Physical Model
