Inspired by the fermentation process of Kampo tea, thinking about the connection between culture and fermentation.
The entire project is designed around the idea of cultural fermentation, utilizing light, materials and multi-sensory experiences to create a complete tea ceremony experience and tea room environment, exploring how culture slowly transforms over time in an experiential design project.
Project Type: Exhibition / Experience Design
Collaboration: ArtCenter College of Design × Tama Art University
Role: Product Design, Lighting Concept, Experience System
Design in 2025
HOMMIE
Team Introduction
Tommy
Art Center Colloge of Design
Product Design
Howie
Tama Art University
Graduate School, Animation
Kombucha
The history of kombucha has evolved from its origins in China to the United States, and in between, the meaning of kombucha has changed dramatically!
01
With the change of time, kombucha has also derived more flavors and serving methods
02
Kombucha relies on time and temperature changes for fermentation, and the meaning behind it defines an era and a culture.
03
Concept Statement
Like fermentation, cultural identity transforms through time and quiet interaction.
Through light, shadow, and motion, this work shows that change grows not suddenly, but through gentle, powerful accumulation
Cultural Fermentation = Interbeing + Pulse + Time + Transformation
Our Story
How might tea ceremony show how culture slowly ferments and grows over time？
Light & Shadow
How can light and shadow reveal the slow fermentation of culture？
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Tea ware & Shoji
How can the taste of Kombucha and the material language of tea ware & shoji together tell the story of cultural fermentation?
Animation
What is the meaning of animation in cultural fermentation?
JACCC Kosaka Center
We have integrated lighting, animation, tea utensils and tea ceremony design into this venue.
This space seamlessly blends Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design.
We have plenty of room for renovation, where Japanese-style windows and concrete walls beautifully showcase the cultural clash.
Light & Shadow
Japan = Ripple × Hemp Leaf
China = Flower Window × Cloud Pattern
Europe = Arch × Vine
Middle East = Star × Geometric
California = Wind Line × Sunligh
Cultural Patterns
Different cultures have corresponding patterns that have been created over time and by social groups.
The fusion of these cultures results in a huge world.
Shape of Fermentation
Wall Light - Cultural Fermentation
Interbeing ： Two layers of light coexist and depend on each other.
Time ： Slow rotation marks the rhythm of fermentation.
Transformation ： Patterns keep shifting, revealing new forms over time
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Animation
*This part was designed by teammate Howie (animation major)
Animation
Interbeing + Pulse + Time + Transformatio
LA street graffiti
Japanese Ukiyo-e
Chinese
Nacre Inlay
Kombucha
Scoby
Tea Cup & Table Light
Tea Cup & Table Light
Using simple shapes combined with patterns to express cultural fermentation, while also providing projection for animations, with all elements matching the wall lamp perfectly
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Tea room final effect
Cultural Fermentation = Interbeing + Pulse + Time + Transformation
