Naai-Jung Shih's "Vapor Breeze": An Award-Winning Tea Set Design

Golden A' Design Award Winner Transforms Tea Drinking into a Visual and Sensory Experience

The "Vapor Breeze" tea set's unique properties lie in its design, which symbolizes the enshrouding mist of vapor by a rolling surface. The set, which can be placed on any flat surface, features vapor strips circling the entire body, creating a streaming effect. The holes in the design allow for a glimpse into the depth of the vapor, while the pointed base gives the illusion of the set floating in the air. Both the pot and cup share the same design vocabulary, with the cup presenting the dynamic theme in a more open manner.

Shih's design process involved the application of a thicken function to a thin layer of hyperbolical surface, as opposed to sculpting from a cube primitive. This shift in design paradigm allowed for greater creative freedom and the exploration of a new set of vocabulary during the creation process. The complex shape of the tea set was realized through 3D printing, followed by a delicate painting process in white. This process reinforced Shih's belief in the strong connection between the order of mathematics and daily life aesthetics.

The "Vapor Breeze" tea set is not only visually appealing but also interactive. The design encourages interaction, starting from setting up the tea set with cups arranged like a family meeting or campfire chat. The set is designed to be used and displayed in everyday life, creating a humorous scene when held upside down to drain water. The similar vocabulary of geometry and visual language creates a humorous interaction in the set and with the user.

The project, which began in 2016 in Taipei, went through several preliminary tests exploring various configurations before the final design was shaped and assembled in 2018. Research was conducted into the composition of materials with sufficient heat resistance, and the shape was studied to ensure a smooth dynamic order occurred between vapor, water, tea, and essence. The most challenging aspect of the design process was creating a vapor vocabulary that allowed the edges and surfaces of the cube to evolve. The selection of color was also a challenge, with the final choice of white enhancing the product image during tasting.

The "Vapor Breeze" tea set is a testament to Shih's innovative approach to design, transforming an everyday item into a work of art. The tea set, which was awarded the Golden A' Design Award in 2019, is a reflection of Shih's prodigy and wisdom, and his ability to create trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology.