OUGD406 Communication is a Virus

In our groups we assigned a research theme to go and look at. My research theme was to look at the Cafe environment and things that would be relevant. We had decided that we would have a cafe where you can go either sit in and drink tea and have lunch/snacks but also to be able to mix your own teas to take away with you. The idea came from the idea of pick and mix set ups that you get in a variety of shops. In essence you would be able to look at the individual tea leafs choose the flavours you want. The machine ideally would be electronic so you can type in or choose what flavours you might like to look at. On this is would give you the origin what it is best used for. There would also be an option to give you a certain amount. Which would then pour into the correct bag/container. This way it would avoid contamination and as many teas are delicate it would avoid damaging the leaves by touch.

http://www.shetinin.com/en/img17-Brussels-tea-shop.html

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Brussels Tea Shop

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Tea_shop_by_matsuyuki_in_Nishiki_Ichiba,_Kyoto.jpg

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http://decorology.blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/oh-beautiful-paris.html

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This image is from a blog about Paris (link above) however there was another link from the original image of a tea shop company in France www.mariagefreres.com. This company only has one tea shop in the UK and that is at Selfridges in London. It is a very old fashioned looking tea shop but it looks classy and sophisticated. This is the style of Tea however our aim is to encourage people to start thinking differently towards it and turning it into a trendy and modern drink. Therefore although this iconic style works we want to challenge this and design and create something that is a bit more current.

The Images and info below are all found on this blog

 http://retaildesignblog.net/tag/tea-shop/

20th Feb 2013 

They are all contemporary styles some more modern then others, but it shows a good range of styles. You can see the oriental theme in some but also a very old English themed. I particularly like the ones that are bright and colourful. Perhaps dependent on my group we could consider doing a style like this.

 TEA SHOP! J-Tea retail by Benjamin Weachter, Eugene – USA 

 Starbucks 15th Avenue Coffee & Tea Shop, Seatle

 Starbucks went back to basics in its 15th Avenue location with a rustic combination of salvaged barnwood, old warehouse lighting, rusted wire chandeliers adorned with clothespins, and large photographs depicting coffee and tea rituals.

TEA SHOP! Great Wall Tea Company by Marianne Amodio, New Westminster – Canada

A staggered array of 568 standard tea containers are magnetized to create tea storage, signage and an ever changing display of imagery. It also lends the tea shop their name: Great Wall Tea Company. The long linear walnut counter is designed as a nod to the bar, where patrons lounge, sip and socialize.

 TEA SHOP! TeBella Tea Shop by Chris Rossi Studio, Tampa – USA 

 The Gourmet Tea by Alan Chu, São Paulo

'Flat panels on a multi-coloured wall slide, swing and roll out to create a secret tea shop in a São Paulo shopping centre. Designed by Brazilian architect Alan Chu, the counter of The Gourmet Tea slides forward from beneath a purple hatch, while shelves can be wheeled out from behind a grey panel and a cupboard emerges from behind a large brown door.'

 TEA SHOP! Tracy Stern SALONTEA, Vancouver

TEA SHOP! Twinings 216 Strand Tea Shop, London

 Thomas Twining bought Tom’s Coffee House on London’s Strand in 1706. The location of the shop was perfect as it straddled the border between Westminster and the City of London, an area that was newly populated with the aristocracy displaced by the Great Fire of London.

The bolow images were found on
 http://www.examiner.com/article/time-for-tea-san-francisco-part-2
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 imperial Tea Court – located in the Ferry Building in an Asian inspired venue. They have a variety of black, green, white and herbal teas. They serve a selection of dim sum, snacks, and entrees on an a la carte basis. Their Afternoon Tea is served with Dim Sum or with tea snacks. Whether you just want a pot of tea or a full meal, they will accommodate your tastes. Open daily.

 Samovar Tea Lounge – multiple locations in San Francisco. The Yerba Buena Gardens location features outdoor seating at comfortable tables and chairs, as well as indoor seating. It has a modern feel with its sleek interior design.They serve tea and brunch daily.

Lovejoys Tea Room (lower Noe Valley) - this is a relaxed setting for tea, think of visiting your favorite eccentric Aunt in her Victorian decorated home. The room is filled with antiques and the staff is accommodating. The tea snacks are delicious and this is a fun place to have tea. Open Wednesday through Sunday at 11:00 AM until 6 PM.

http://lotushaus.typepad.com/lotushaus/2007/09/remedy-teas-org.html

Argo Tea Cafe
http://www.tea-happiness.com/2010/11/argo-tea-cafe.html
Argo Tea cafe is a cafe that does a similar thing to what we are after. The style in which there tea is stored is a clever initiative, however if agreed with my group i think we would like to take on a more electronical style to the machine that would dispence the tea.

Simple signage that uses only 2 colours plus stock like our brief.

Argo Teas Website