The Unity of Zen and Martial Arts: A Unique Tea Shop Design

UND Design Studio's Innovative Fusion of Local Culture and Modern Aesthetics

Foshan, renowned for its martial arts, particularly Wing Chun, served as the inspiration for this project. UND Design Studio sought to integrate this rich cultural heritage with modern aesthetics, resulting in a design that is both unique and culturally significant. The concept of Zen tea and Martial arts was born from this fusion, presenting a fresh interpretation of traditional cultural symbols.

The design's unique properties lie in its integration of Zen and martial arts. The local culture of Foshan and the brand culture of the tea shop are seamlessly blended, creating a space that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. The design team drew inspiration from the wooden dummy of Wing Chun, a symbol of the city's martial arts heritage. This inspiration is manifested in the space's structure, which features a horizontal and vertical humanoid structure combined with traditional mortise-tenon skills.

The realization of this design was achieved through a careful balance of traditional and modern elements. The space is divided into proportions that create a rich sense of hierarchy, with transparent acrylic display boxes placed above wooden stakes. These boxes hold dancing lions and pot walls, symbols of Lingnan culture. The centerpiece of the space is a long tea table, representing the undulating Tea Mountain, the origin of tea. This design element serves as a metaphor for the harmonious coexistence of Lingnan culture and Zen tea.

The project presented several challenges, primarily the need to combine geographical characteristics with brand culture. The design team aimed to create a space that would appeal to modern young people while also evoking a sense of traditional culture. The result is a space that respects and promotes local culture while meeting the needs of a modern tea-drinking audience.

The Unity of Zen and Martial Arts project was completed in July 2019, after a four-month design process. The project was recognized with a Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, a testament to the design's innovation and cultural significance. This award is granted to designs that reflect extraordinary excellence and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.