Mitsubishi Jisho Design is bringing the sustainable Arabi-an teahouse to Dubai｜Arab News Japan
Chantal Fouad
DUBAI: A stunning work of architecture, Arabi-an, a Japanese teahouse made entirely from food waste will be on display at Dubai Design Week until Nov. 12.
A full-service architectural firm offering architecture design and engineering, Mitsubishi Jisho Design is on a mission to take on food waste with its design expertise.
The Arabi-an is part of a universal series of teahouses that animates the confluence of sustainability, resource efficiency and circularity.
After the successful display of the teahouse in Venice, as part of the Time Space Existence 2023 exhibition during the Venice Biennale 2023, the architects brought it to Dubai to be displayed at Dubai Design Week.
Tea has a worldwide attribution to people connections and warm gatherings; the Arabi-an was conceived as a host for new connections.
The meaning can also be found in the name of the teahouse itself; combining the English word ‘Arabian; with the Japanese word ‘an’ which translates to a ‘simple hut’, creating a name that represents the essence of new connections.
The unique thing about this design is its universal in its concept, which means it can be built anywhere in the world, however it is contextualized to the installation site through the adaption of the location’s latitude and utilizing the local food waste in the process of design.
The angle of the joints takes a cue from the latitude of each site where the teahouse is installed, the eventual form sensitivity responds to the environment and filters the sunlight brought in.
The latitude in Dubai is 25 degrees, so the Arabi-an also has a joint angle of 25 degrees as well; a joint extending in eight directions was designed in a configuration that connects to the central axis.
The food waste and raw materials add another layer of contextualization too.
Since it’s the whole initiative is about sustainability, the components can be disassembled and remade into shelves, tables, chairs and other furniture.
The joints are also made from food waste, such as grapes, peas, and pasta making the whole structure entirely sustainable and eco-friendly.
