Urban fog

It is a well-known fact that the Design Week team devours more than a few cups of tea throughout the working day. Someone says ‘tea’, and several ears prick up. Followed by a chorus of desperate and gasping ‘yes pleases’.

So when news of Urban Fog, a temporary art installation and – the magic word – teahouse, filters into our inboxes, we want to find out more. After all, it would be rude to ignore our favourite stimulant.

The site-specific installation is a collaborative effort led by Zoe Chan of art and architecture practice Atelier Chanchan, and designers Sarah Khan, Mickey Kloihofer and Mariana Pestana, and is located in a derelict urban void in East London’s Dalston.

The long and enclosed site has been recreated into a series of pockets. The space aims to create the effect of entering a lost cloud, where figures appear and disappear becoming distorted through light and shadow.

Urban Fog has teamed up with local café Tina We Salute You, to create a temporary two-week teahouse providing tea and cake in the space, with all proceeds going to  Japan Disaster relief.

A preview evening will take place on 1 May from 4pm onwards, with a selection of artistic performances throughout the event. Tea, art, and a Zen foggy space – sounds like a perfect bank holiday weekend.

Urban Fog, Temporary Art installation and Tea House at 1A Jude Street, London N16 from 5-21 May (open Thursday to Sundays 11-6pm) For more information see

www.urbanfog.net