Revolutionizing Tea Experience: TAETEA by Jie Liu

Subverting Tradition with Diverse Design Language

Jie Liu's inspiration for TAETEA stems from the belief that tea is not just a culture, but also a fashionable drink. This perspective led to the creation of a store design that deviates from the norm. Instead of relying on the popular design element of "Oriental Artistic Conception", Liu opted for a more diverse design language. This approach transformed abstract artistic expression into a perceptible spatial language, increasing benefits for commercial operation.

The unique properties of TAETEA's design lie in its subversion of many traditional elements. Liu simplified the elements and designed installation art in space. A significant material change was also made. The entire space is not just a simple artistic expression, but also a solution to the limitations of the original space, proving that it is not necessary to taste tea in an antique environment.

To fully showcase the brand culture of TAETEA, Liu combined stainless steel materials with wood products, choosing red as the main color of the space. The project, which covers a total of 300 square meters, does not rely on a colorful interior or complex elements to build, allowing the design to return to its pure essence and create a natural and comfortable environment.

A rotating staircase connecting the first and second floors is set up at the main entrance, with smart glass blades designed around the stairs, resembling a tea tree extending upward. This feature allows people to experience the space with different feelings. The project, which started in December 2017 in Kunming, was completed in September 2018.

TAETEA, located in the commercial area of Kunming Qicaijunyuan, is a chain brand with cultural origins. The design needed to break through past practices while adhering to principles to attract attention. The challenge was to redefine traditional space based on oriental life and customs. The result is a space with no multiple colors or complex elements, allowing the design to return to its pure essence and create a natural and comfortable environment.

TAETEA's design was recognized with the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.