People may wonder what coconuts have to do with tea when they come across Steeped in Exploration, a teahouse installation. The structure that is at the center of this project breaks apart to reveal six white loungers that resemble pieces of a coconut. Although the fruit may not have anything directly to do with teas or tea rituals, it does add a fun flair to the Steeped in Exploration project.
Put together by artist Matthew Mazzotta and made entirely out of local materials, the Steeped in Exploration installation encourages people to forage for edible plants to make the tea with. The heat produced to boil the water also comes from a local source: cow manure. It promotes community building, resourcefulness and environmental awareness.
Coconut-Shaped Teahouses
Steeped in Exploration by Matthew Mazzotta Builds Community and Awareness
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Design - The use of local and sustainable materials and innovative energy sources create opportunities for designers to create eco-friendly installations.
2. Foraging Culture - The incorporation of foraging culture into consumer experiences taps into the trend of seeking out unique and authentic experiences that promote adventurousness.
3. Community-centric Designs - Designing installations and products with community involvement and development in mind creates opportunities for more meaningful user experiences and socially-responsible entrepreneurship.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality providers can incorporate similar concepts into their offerings to create distinctive, eco-conscious, and memorable experiences for their guests.
2. Event Production - Event planners and producers can create installations that promote community-building, resourcefulness, and environmental awareness for events such as festivals, fairs, and conferences.
3. Sustainable Agriculture - Stewarding local resources for innovative energy sources such as cow manure and highlighting foraging opportunities help to highlight and preserve local agriculture practices while promoting sustainable living.