Smell the Flower: Poetic Pour Over Coffee Measuring Equipment

Enhancing the Ritual of Pour Over Coffee

For many, pour over coffee is more than just a morning routine; it is a moment of pause and reflection. With "Smell the Flower," Forn Woei Koong takes this concept to a new level by infusing a sense of ritual and aesthetic beauty into the measurement steps of the pour over coffee process.

The collection consists of two items: a scale and a thermometer. The scale, named "Decoration of Weight," draws inspiration from flower arrangements. Instead of traditional weights, the user measures coffee beans using handcrafted weight-leaves and weight-fruits, resembling the act of decorating a vase. This unique approach transforms the mundane task of weighing coffee beans into a poetic and artistic experience.

The thermometer, called "The Aroma of Temperature," is designed in the shape of a flower. As the user inserts the thermometer into hot water, the petals slowly spin open, mimicking the blossoming of a flower. Each petal represents 10 degrees, allowing the user to determine the temperature by observing the degree of rotation. This innovative design not only provides a functional purpose but also adds a touch of beauty and elegance to the pour over coffee ritual.

Both the scale and thermometer are meticulously crafted using a combination of materials and techniques. The body of the scale is made of ceramic, with a hand-worn process to create a unique texture. The weighing pan is made of red copper, forged using a spinning technique. The mechanism of the scale incorporates springs for accuracy. The thermometer features a ready-made analog thermometer mechanism, with a laser-cut aluminum sheet and an acrylic sheet pressed by a mold.

With "Smell the Flower," Forn Woei Koong challenges the traditional perception of pour over coffee and invites coffee enthusiasts to explore the artistic potential of this brewing method. By infusing a sense of ritual and aesthetic feeling into the measurement process, this design enhances the overall experience of making pour over coffee.

The project started in November 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan, and was completed in August 2020. Forn Woei Koong conducted extensive research on tea ceremonies and the concept of ritual in art and life. The design process involved overcoming challenges in concept development and implementation, ensuring that the transformed elements of the pour over coffee process were both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

"Smell the Flower" has been recognized for its creativity and ingenuity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate exceptional technical and creative skills while contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Experience the beauty and ritual of pour over coffee with "Smell the Flower" and elevate your coffee brewing routine to an art form.