12’ x 12’ URBAN TEAHOUSE
Civic forum that welcomes and serves the public
The aftermath of covid-19 pandemic and civil movement across the country indicates a paradigm shift of the world we live in today. 6-feet distancing and boarded up retail spaces paired up to characterize the ‘new normal’ as the city is inscribed with voices from the public, history is working in progress.
In response to the new paradigm, 12’x12’ Urban Teahouse anticipates a new public ritual to take place and perform.
1.0
Context
New York City During these peak protest months across New York City, plywood prices skyrocketed to above $90 for one 4’ x 8’ AC plywood board. Board up storefronts become the new face of New York City streetscape. Plywood facades embraced social, political and urban functionality with graffiti that represents the public voice of the time.
2.0
Spatial Politics
Japanese Teahouse Historically, the Japanese teahouse is associated with equality and peace. The tearoom is a space for liaising and negotiations between warlords and generals since the 16th century. Tea is served as a ritual by the tea master and everyone, regardless of their social status or hierarchy must kneel on the common ground of the tatami mat.
3.0
Function / Pre-fab
12’x12’
The proposal uses solely plywood. The 12’x12’ dimension is guided by the typical dimension of off-the-shelf plywood sheet (4’x8’) as a module.
Assemblage / Disassemblage
The proposal uses solely plywood. The 12’x12’ dimension is guided by the typical dimension of off-the-shelf plywood sheet (4’x8’) as a module.
4.0
Civic Forum
Instead of a tea ceremony being performed, the public participation within this civic forum will be the new ritual that is unrehearsed.
5.0
Third Life
