TASK- to create Tea Pavilion

The traditional tea ceremony takes place in a special pavilion located in the garden. All its elements create an atmosphere of tranquillity and symbolise detachment from the outside world and everyday affairs. The ceremony takes place in an atmosphere of dignity and concentration, following strict rules.

Arriving guests are greeted by the host with a bow at the gate. Guests enter the garden and here walk around, admiring the plants and stone compositions. All meet together at the

garden bench, in order to select a 'chief guest of honour’ (shōkyaku). This is the person among the invitees who is regarded as the most respectable and knowledgeable in terms of chakai etiquette. Its role is to take care – together with the host – of the atmosphere of the meeting and to serve the example. Guests pause for a long moment at the spring, where each chanoyu participant, using a wooden scoop, fetches water and washes their hands with it and rinses their mouth. This activity must be performed with concentration -everyone cleanses their body and spirit in a symbolic way.

FINAL RESULTS

The project Countess Tea Spot was created in the area of the Hrabinka Nature Reserve, on the very shore of the dam, which turned out to be the perfect place to create this type of infrastructure. The simple, open structure based on a square plan evokes the traditional forms of Japanese tea pavilions, the feeling of being in the Land of the Rising Sun is also enhanced by the skillful use of white fabric – suspended at an angle in the upper part of the structure, which gives the furniture lightness and ephemeral character. The pavilion invites you to experience closeness with nature by focusing the attention of visitors on the reservoir – its sight, sound and movement. The interior can accommodate at least six people, who can sit down together during the tea ceremony. The form of the furniture has been influenced by several rules according to which the traditional tea drinking ceremony takes place. To enter the platform, participants must bend slightly under the lower beam, echoing the small doors of traditional pavilions called nijiri-guchi. It symbolizes the equality of all participants in the ceremony. From the entrance to the pavilion – the recipient’s eyes are directed to the wide-open window with a breathtaking view of the reservoir. Seats positioned on the floor along the table on both sides (three on one side, three on the other) invite you to sit on your lap, as in Japanese culture. Plywood covering the lower part of the structure gives visitors a sense of privacy, detachment from the surroundings and everyday matters. The low table in the middle is perfect for putting your cups down after drinking, it can also be easily used as a bench. The form of the pavilion follows the elements of Japanese ideology which focuses on simplicity and ascetic sophistication. That is why the table is the only piece of furniture in the pavilion and the only one necessary so that nothing distracts the participants from the ceremony and the nature that surrounds them.