Mountain Pour
Kurdish Inspired Tea Set
Task
In 5 weeks, design a culturally inspired coffee or tea set.
Inspiration
My chosen culture was Kurdish culture and through preliminary research, I found that tea was their traditional beverage of choice. I wanted to create a tea set that was culturally relevant and was reminiscent of the desert and mountains that the Kurdish people call home.
Research & Ideation
Ergonomic Testing
By making a teapot for a cafe setting and one for an outdoor setting, I had to consider many different forms. Traditionally, a Kurdish Tea set consists of a Water pot for boiling water, a tea pot which sits on top of the water pot, and a set of teacups. Kurdish teacups are normally tulip shaped however, I decided to test other forms as well.
Quick cardboard mockups were made to do preliminary tests on size and ergonomics.
from Left to Right
(Tea pot 1 , Water pot, Teapot 2)
1st Gen (teacups were disapproved by Mr. Comert as they are not in line with Kurdish tradition.)
2nd Gen (teacups were too small, color exploration on cafe pot conducted.)
3rd Gen with water pot and outdoor teapot.
Testing my 3D printed models gave me valuable feedback on ergonomics and form. From this testing, I saw flaws in my designs such as too small handles and teacups with non-ergonomic shapes. In the end, I was able to make meaningful changes that enhanced the designs aesthetically and functionally.
Cultural Testing and Integration
I returned to the restaurant weekly throughout this 5 week project for further feedback on the designs. Through these interactions, I was able to maintain cultural significance in my designs as I continued to explore. My cafe teapot was approved and my teacups were well on their way.
In designing the teapot lid, I looked to this memorial in Halabja, Iraq. The memorial honors the victims of an attack by Saddam Hussein in 1988.
Final Printed Models and Preparation
Outdoor Teapot
Water Pot
Cafe Teapot
Teacup
Pictured here are all prototypes for teapots, cups, lids, and handles.
Models were sanded, primed, and painted for the finishing process. As this was my first time making white models, I learned a lot about proper paint coats and presentation.
Restaraunt Presentation
These finished models were taken back to Leyla Mediterranean Restaurant for final approval by the owner and his staff.
“Traditional yet modern” was the response that I received upon showing the models. They requested that I produce the teapots as a commemorative, with great notice taken to my inclusion of the Halabja memorial design in the teapot lid. I shared a meal with the owner, his family, and staff and will be keeping in contact for future work that they requested in the space of sustainable design.
I found a local Kurdish restaurant and asked if they would be willing to work with me throughout the design process and to teach me about their culture. They obliged and as time went on, I was able to bring prototypes and sketches to the owner, Comert Kurdistan, and his staff to receive feedback on usefulness and cultural significance. Through these talks, I learned that tea was consumed all day traditionally and that the ideal product would allow for tea to be continuously heated and served. We also spoke about materiality and durability of a product that would be used in the mountains as well as a product that could be utilized in cafe settings leading me to create both a cafe teapot and a teapot for the outdoors.
