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Mizu
Prompt was to design a product for the daily tea brewing consumer. The project focuses on peoples connection to the process of brewing and the quality of ingredients as they relate to personal health. Brewing is habitual in nature so this product leverages the ancient traditions of tea making to create habit forming emotional connections.
Fall 2015
Research
3D Modeling
Sketching
Model Making
Porcelain
Copper
Wood
River Stone
Activated Charcoal
Authentic tea experience.
Mizu is an all natural water purifier for authentic Gong-Fu Tea making experiences. For the tea drinker that craves an emotional satisfaction from their morning ritual.
Visiting the birthplace of green tea in Japan.
I had the honor of being invited to an authentic tea making experience in Daitokuji Temple of Kyoto, Japan. It is said to be the birthplace and center for Japanese tea making.
Inspired by Mount Wuyi
The biggest challenge tea drinkers face is finding a site of calmness in the hustle of their daily lives. a harmonious tea system would immerse the drinker into an idealistic meditative setting by stimulating the senses and bringing authentic tea making to ones lifestyle.
Waterfall spout.
Water spout spills perfectly warm water onto cup to evenly heat cup and tea. Inspired by the waterfalls of Mount Wuyi.
Rows in tea fields.
Rows of tea and wild tea found along the mountainside create a sense of repetition and balance that is mimicked on the walls of Mizu. The walls create a cove for the cup to nestle in and steep, but still allow steam to escape from its gaps.
Steamy clouds of calm fog.
A part of Mount Wuyi's atmosphere is paid to the clouds of steam that linger through its mountain tops. The base of Mizu, has 4 holes that allow steam to flow from the water basin harmoniously.
Gong Fu Materials.
Fire, Water, Earth, Metal & Wood must be present in Gong Fu tea making. All elements are usually present in the different tools for making tea so Mizu is made from all 5 elements.
Fire
Found as a copper coil heat source that winds throughout the body of the ceramic base to evenly heat water.
Metal
Used for the Spout and heating unit to disperse heat.
Wood
Used for lid of the base for the cup to sit upon. As the steam rises, it lets off a warm wood and tea aroma.
Earth
The base is made from an earthen clay that is glazed with shino to bring a crackled texture.
Water
The main spout element for steeping the tea.