Processing you

My concept is a space that allows humans to go through the process that a black tea leaf lives through to become tea. This process includes several steps - picking the leaves, withering, bruising, oxidation, drying, steeping, and finally drinking tea. These steps occur as visitors walk through the building. 

One of the main materials implemented, in this project, other than wood, is copper-based alloy Tombak. Tombak is an alloy consisting of copper with added zinc. The zinc ensures that the material will not oxidize {and become coated with verdigris) to the same extent as copper. Instead, the material will over timer develop dark, warm, brown tones. So, the building, together with the tea leaves "and occupants" will oxidize and essentially mimic steeping over time as it transitions from a gentle yellow gold to a deeper warm brown.​​

Flood condition: This site experiences seasonal "floods" but as I did not want water entering my structure I protected it with thick glass. As tides come in the water body transforms around the structure, not penetrating but rising up around it. Humans peer out, like a reverse fish tank or like the view from inside a glass mug.  The standing tea room is a step below the sitting one in which you enter. This way during floods you can experience a seemingly higher water level from that area. I envision children being able to go there to feel truly submerged below the water line.