Mountain
Pour
Role
Industrial Designer
Tools
Fusion 360, Adobe Suite, Keyshot, Procreate
Duration
4 weeks
Type
Product Design, Cultural Immersion
Mountain Pour is a study of culture and form as seen through the lens of Kurdish tea culture.
01 — Background Research
I began this project by going to Leyla Mediterranean restaurant. It was here that I met the owner, Comert, and asked if I would be able to interview him about Kurdish tea culture for a project. He enthusiastically invited me in, and on the first day, I spent 6 hours learning and ideating with him and his staff. Over the next 4 weeks, I would return to the restaurant with sketches, prototypes, and ideas so that I could gain feedback.
Tea is consumed in cafes, homes, and in the outdoors.
"Tea culture is almost as important as the mountains and nature to the Kurdish people. Therefore my design should reflect nature back into one of their most prized rituals, tea."
"The mountains and the outdoors are very important to the Kurdish people. With this in mind, I wanted to craft something that would be reminiscent of this nature and also usable in it."
Steps to making tea
02 — Ideation & Sketches
My initial sketch ideas revolved around mainly the two teapots. I wanted to incorporate the mountains into my design, and therefore looked to the forms found in mountainous terrain to explore. As I moved into the teacups, I explored multiple variations of their existing form and looked to make a version that would fit into the new family.
Initial concept directions
Tea Cup exploration
Tea pot exploration
Water pot Exploration
In these models, I explored various shapes and sizes. My tea cups were denied by Mr. K, as they were too large or too small. I learned that the larger openings in the cups are used for cold drinks, because they keep drinks cooler than cups with smaller opening. My handles and ease of cleaning were also taken into account for these designs.
It was here that I learned more about the utility and function that my forms needed to perform as well as the importance of infusing culture into the forms. I also began to think about creating an outdoor teapot since this one was made for cafe/home.
CAD Models
Chosen Direction
03 — Physical Prototype Testing
I realized that my tea cups and pot handles needed to accommodate more hand sizes and tie back in to the original shapes
04 — Model Prep
Models were 3d printed, sanded, primed, and painted for the final presentation.
05 — Presentation
The Final models were taken to the restaurant for presentation. I was told that the design was modern yet cultural and it was met with approval and a dinner with the owner, his staff, and friends.