Chaya Kada

Sebin Kurisingal 

CEPT University

India 

Akshith Santosh 

CEPT University

India 

Project Description

A tea stall is more than just a roadside kiosk—it's a melting pot of stories, ideas, and connections. It's where a student's curiosity meets an elder's wisdom, where workers take a break alongside thinkers, and where laughter, debates, and nostalgia blend seamlessly over cups of this one drink. From fiery political discussions to quiet reflections on life, the tea stall is a living archive of human interaction, where time slows down just enough for people to connect. This can be precisely why, even generations later, people still prefer to drink chai from these stalls, even though making one yourself takes only a few minutes! 

As a designer the question always remains as we visit these on our routine stalls; how can this compact design be made more functional incorporating various social elements while also having a hygienic and modular design that facilitates the vendor Upon researching the context of Bangladesh and the uniqueness of its proximity to the shipbuilding yard, the possibility of using the recyclable metal as a material was explored. The project proposal that we have here explores one such iteration where the possibilities of steel as a material to work out a structure that is compact, functional, and at the same time flexible is carried out. An added advantage is that joineries in steel can be easily fabricated and welded, making it very cost-effective and easier to assemble. 

The design utilizes simple folding techniques to create a structure that is easy to assemble, build, and just as effortlessly fold back into a highly compact form. The wash basin, awnings, and counter all fold in. This concept of foldability introduces flexibility, making it adaptable to various contexts while also enabling a multifunctional space. 

This is more than just a place to serve chai; it enhances the experience of enjoying tea from a local vendor while ensuring minimal space consumption. After all, who knows? The next great idea might just emerge from one of those intense discussions that unfold here!"