To Do List

Detail @ countertops

Detail & Section @ wall water feature

Detail & Section @ infinity water feature

Section @ floating bookshelf

Section @ tasting bar bookshelf

Section of wall @ window

Section @ cove lighting

Intersection @ wall and ceiling

Intersection @ ceiling beams

Intersection @ ceiling level change

It's all in the details...

In order to convey my design, detailed drawings of custom pieces will need to be done, so as to provide instructions for proper construction and/or fabrication. In this space, most cabinetry is custom designed, including the tasting bar, cash wrap, water features, wood paneled wall in the hallway to the restrooms, as well as, furniture and lighting. With that said, detail drawings and section drawings of built-in cabinetry and other architectural details are necessary for construction.

At this particular point in time, I'll be doing detailed drawings and sections of the tasting bar and cash wrap areas, along with a detailed drawing of the custom hardware to be used on the cabinets. If time permits, I will be doing a wall section to include the wall beam that runs the perimeter of the space and the window slats. In addition, due to the custom design of the tables and glass lotus flower chandelier, detailed drawings will need to be developed in order to contract those out for fabrication.

Changes, changes, and more changes...

Since I've been working on the design of this tea shop, I've made many changes along the way...and apparently, I'm not done yet. I have decided to change the flooring in such a way that it has a more organic, curvilinear feel that guides you through the space. Though the predominant floor treatment throughout is random plank hardwood, I am introducing a random slate tile pattern that feathers out along the retail display, library, and hallway to the restrooms. In addition, I have also included the use of some bound edge, natural raffia, sisal, or jute area rugs to help define particular areas.
I have also considered expansion of the shop to include an additional seating area away from the windows in it's own little nook area, as well as, a separate tea room for private tasting parties or a more traditional tea ceremony.
The outdoor seating area is still a work in progress, but the goal is to bring the indoors out and I'm still developing that concept and layout to make it flow with the interior space.
Lastly, the lighting is still under consideration as I have created a level change around the tasting bar and I'd like to use some creative lighting, such as cove light to draw your attention to the tasting bar, but I'm still muddling my way through that idea. Recessed can lights are just getting the best of me, but I'm getting closer to a solution every day.

Thoughts on the "Physical and Social Aspects of Coffee Shops"

This qualitative study described physical and social qualities in coffee shops that positively influenced gathering and place attachment. Coffee shops are a growing segment, with 10 percent growth a year between 2000 and 2004 in the US (Holmes, 2004). The article states that gathering and community activity have been associated with enhanced health (Putnam, 2000) and designers should consider ways to make places amenable to gathering.

Providing seating adjacent to walls, partial walls, or level changes is a plus as customer's may prefer it. I know I always choose a seat that is along the perimeter of the room because it feels more comfortable to me. Be aware that cleanliness may be important to coffee shop patrons and specify materials that are easy to clean or that have colors or patterns that hide dirt. By specifying dark hardwood and slate floors in the tea house, it will be easier to hide any stains from spills and dirt tracked in from outside the shop.

The study also suggests that aroma may be a valued part of the coffee shop experience and ways to design the ventilating system to enhance the experience of aroma should be considered (e.g., venting coffe smells to the street or seating areas). For this reason, the tasting bar is a main focus of the shop and will be brewing tea throughout the day for customers to taste test and learn about the proper brewing of all the different teas.

The article also suggests that seating with views to the outdoors and the proper amount of lighting for reading for patrons of all ages should be provided. Since the tea shop is a place for relaxation and escape, much like a home away from home, the majority of the storefront consists of windows with wood slats to filter the natural light, while providing outdoor views. The interior lighting is arranged in such a way that it provides adequate ambient light throughout, with additional task and accent lighting where necessary.

Comments on how "Merchandise Display Affects Consumer Behavior"

This particular article investigated how the coordination and display of retail merchandise influenced consumers’ behavior. Previous research provides little evidence of the effects of retail merchandise displays on consumer shopping behavior. In addition, previous research used visual images rather than actual goods when investigating consumers' responses to merchandise display.

The author of this article suggests to consider coordinating goods to increase their perceived quality (i.e. their aesthetic beauty and social desirability). Poorly-designed or unattractive retail merchandise displays may reduce the perceived values of the goods and contribute to decreased sales. I know that I, as a consumer, respond strongly to the aesthetics of retail merchandise displays.

The article states that when poorly-coordinated goods (e.g., clashing patterns) were displayed next to each other they had a negative influence on subjects’ opinion of an individual good in the display. However, the reverse was not always true; placing well-coordinated goods together did not necessarily increase subjects’ opinions of the individual good. When subjects evaluated a display of multiple goods as aesthetically pleasing or socially desirable, it increased their regard for an individual good in the display.

There is only a small section of the tea house that displays retail goods (other than food items). Using these ideas of grouping and creating a well-thought out, coordinated and aesthetically pleasing display will be key. I would also apply this to the library section of the shop, so the books and things are neat and easy to locate, making it more user-friendly. In doing this in the library section, customer's will be more likely to venture over to this section to find out more about tea and the culture of tea, which, in turn, may help sell more tea and tea-related product from the retail display.

Comments on "Perceptions of Corporate and Independent Coffee Shops"

The design issue presented in this article is how coffee shop patrons perceived globally-marketed, corporate coffee shops and competing independent coffee shops by examining the growth and resistance to growth of the Starbucks corporation.

InformeDesign identified the fact that local, independent coffee shops may be characterized by eclectic, unconventional décor, often including second-hand furnishings and politically-charged or provocative art, and music by independent artists, while metropolitan coffee shops may be modeled after Starbucks and may be characterized by warm but stylish décor, prominent visual art, sophisticated background music, and gourmet menu items.

Some independent coffee shops assumed an anti-corporate position by providing unique atmospheres, outlets for self-expression (i.e., live, local entertainment), and personalized customer convenience (e.g., bottomless cup of coffee).

Before reading this article, I was planning on incorporating used, antique, or refurbished furniture and architectural elements into the design aesthetic of my tea house. The whole idea is to create a space that is serene and peaceful, where you can rejuvenate and escape from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world and life's everyday stresses.

InformeDesign Articles

"Merchandise Display Affects Consumer Behavior"
www.informedesign.com/Rs_detail.aspx?rsId-2697

"Physical and Social Aspects of Coffee Shops"
www.informedesign.com/Rs_detail.aspx?rsId=2722

"Perceptions of Corporate and Independent Coffee Shops"
www.informedesign.com/Rs_detail.aspx?rsId=2679

Programming & Scope

The existing exterior will be minimal in design with a glass and natural wood façade, which filters light through the windows. There will be two entrances, one on the south side and another on the east. Both sets of entry doors incorporate a pair of oversized traditional wood doors with antiqued bronze hardware. The shop interior has a full service tea bar and cash wrap for ordering tea and purchasing retail items. There will also be a separate bar area for tea tastings and educating customers on the different teas and how to properly brew them. There will be space for retail displays, seating areas for those who order their tea to stay, and a space for a small library of books for people to learn more about tea and tea culture. The front cash wrap/service bar and the tasting bar will be equipped with refrigerators, water supply, and sinks. In addition to the public use areas, the staff requires a storage area to store retail back-stock and bulk teas. The back room storage area will also incorporate a clean-up station for cleaning dishes and a mop sink.

The feeling in the space is relaxing, calm, and inviting. The fixtures will be simple in design with natural wood finishes, used in combination with glass, metal and earthtone hues. The straight lines of the fixtures will be contrasted with organic materials and a handful of traditional Asian fixtures. There will be task lighting for the tea bar and the cash wrap, along with accent lighting for the displays and seating areas. The ambient light will be warm and compliment the fixtures and products, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

The Client & Concept

The target customer is female, age 30-50, who is already a tea drinker or one who wants to become a tea drinker. The shop is a retailer of a wide variety of fine loose-leaf teas, tea pearls, remedy teas, tea service sets, and tea pots. In addition, there will be a full-service tea bar for those who want to order tea to stay or go. The shop will also provide customers with an education on the different teas, how to prepare them, and tea tastings.

Floor & Lighting Plans

These are the working floor and lighting plans for the tea shop. The lighting plan needs some work, but everything is pretty symmetrical and orderly. I'm thinking dark, hardwood floors and light colored walls combined with light fixtures made of glass and metal. For the general ambient lighting, I'm torn between recessed can lights and surface mount fixtures or pendants. I'm just not quite sure about it...like I said, work in progress.

Furniture

The Adriana Hoyos line of furniture was the perfect style for this tea house. The style is modern, yet it can be interpreted as having an Asian influence that ties it together well with the architectural features I am planning on using on the interior. The juxtapositon of newer pieces with other antique/salvaged items, such as the entry doors and cabinets, further the design aesthetic I'm going for.

Inspirations

My idea was to design a tea house that takes elements of the traditional tea house and tea itself, in it's purest form, and blends it with modern design, creating a new tea experience while maintaining the tradition in which it is rooted. Here are a few of the inspirations that started this thought process.