HMA forms M.I. bookstore around a massive circular bookcase in china

situated in the chinese city of harbin, HMA architects & designers has conceived the ‘M.I. bookstore‘ as a place for the local community to enjoy the pleasure of reading. occupying a strikingly tall volume, the space incorporates a variety of spatial experiences that all center around books. 

all images © eiichi kano

the program of the library covers a total area of 21,528 ft2 (2000 m2) and is designed by HMA to contain different spaces. within the main volume, a large circular bookcase occupies the vast space, becoming the central feature of the store. wrapped in a wide, slowly sloped staircase, visitors can leisurely browse the books on offer.

opposite the circular staircase, a small cafe is located on the ground floor, giving people the chance to enjoy a coffee while they read. this space is also distinguished by the seating pods. lined with plants, these elements create an interesting design feature while also providing the perfect nook to get lost in a book. moving into the building, a smaller volume contains more bookshelves in a more intimate spatial environment.

the interior of M.I. bookstore is characterized by the use of earthy-colored materials. from the use of timber to the brown-colored metal, the resulting aesthetic provides a calm, tranquil surrounding. additionally, and in keeping with the books on display, two of the walls of the main space are covered in a book-effect wallpaper, wrapping visitors in a cocoon of words.

project info:

project name: ‘M.I bookstore’

location: nangang qu, harbin, china

architecture firm: HMA architects & designers

lead architects: saunaam yip

design team: fanjiajing, zhouming, yuanfei

clients: jinjue harbin

completion year: 2018

gross built area: 21,528 ft2 (2000 m2)

engineering: harbin institute of architectural design

photography: eiichi kano

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom