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Recognising the enduring passion for tea in modern China, and taking cues
from ink wash calligraphy, MOC Design has fashioned a large new tea house in
white, grey and wood, aimed at a young clientele. Behind a tall exterior facade
of glass, the bright white space presents something like a chic living room to
the street outside, with contemporary seating right near the front, beckoning
passersby. The floors are in Carrara-style white and grey, and most of the
other surfaces blanched in white, with accents of black and dabs of concrete,
along with art features in bamboo stained dark. The palette links to the
calligraphy inspiration directly, and lines appear to further the concept, such
as in the ceiling lighting troughs, or trims around the serving counter.Various custom-designed seating benches and narrow tables complete
the layout. The use of raw timber soothes and bench-backs lend a neededwarming contrast to the clean space. There are second-layer references to ink
washes as well, such as in walls that are divided by sectional panels meant to
evoke paper. The connections to the metaphor are quite indirect – the bamboo
might spark different associations entirely – so one wonders if an actual piece or
two of ink art would help the story along.HEYTEA benefits from ample floor area that allows different sub-zones of the
space – perfect for this kind of venue, where patrons tend to linger for extended
periods of time, or even move around when seeing friends arrive. Leading a
centuries-old tradition out of dark-stained wood and fabrics, or low lighting levels,
into an image more fresh and current to young people, is the brand’s task and
challenge. The casual-but-dressy vibe here might do that trick.Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
MOC Design Office
HEYTEA at Zhengzhou Grand Emporium
<QSPKFDUGJMF°DIJOB>Photography by ArchiTranslator