Page-turners: 5 bookstores with stories to tell
Text by Simon Keane-Cowell
Zürich, Switzerland
08.05.19
Asian bookshops are offering bibliophiles an altogether more immersive experience via bold architectural concepts.
White Comedy of Xi'an Zhongshu Bookstore, China Photo: CreatAR Images
It's often been said that retail spaces, in order to survive in these increasingly digital times, need to offer shoppers a memorable brand experience, rather than functioning merely as a point of sale. Make the analogue great again!
Against this backdrop, the bookshop, it could be argued, has twice as much at stake. It's a physical store (rent!) and it's selling a product whose sales has been severely impacted by the rise of digital media. And yet, and yet...
While the traditional independent bookshop may be under threat the world over, concept-led architecture is saving the day in Asia, where a number of recently completed bookstores are cleverly using the stock they sell as a design element in itself. Striking, immersive interiors, where intriguing volumes, carefully orchestrated lighting and haptic materials are the main characters. Do you read me?
01
Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore
Chongqing, China
2019
X+Living
Lampshade-shaped bookshelves are scattered throughout the lobby, while a mirrored ceiling reflects the extended hallway's bookshelves onto the floor, creating a visual tunnel that brings visitors deeper into the space.
02
White Comedy of Xi'an Zhongshu Bookstore
Xi'an, China
2018
Wutopia Lab
The entirely white interior features customised curved bookshelves made from 5mm thick steel plates.
03
Guiyang Zhongshuge Bookstore
Guiyang, China
2018
X+Living
Inspired by karst cave landforms, mountain-shaped bookshelves intertwine and wind along the central walkway where places for reading and resting are also found.
04
Metal Rainbow
Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
2017
Wutopia Lab
Multiple panels fixed together from different sizes and colours of aluminium sheets create various experiences and spaces within the bookstore.
05
Alt-Life Bookstore
Ningbo, China
2017
Kokaistudios
A hanging grand staircase, designed like a spiralling bookshelf, connects the entrance to the mezzanine and to the main floor below.
© Architonic
