mirror ceilings and glass curtains decorate bookstore interior by x+living in china

expanding their project archive with another bookshop design, architecture firm x+living has realized ‘zhongshuge ningbo’ situated within the zhejiang district, in china. the new store features signature glass curtain walls, mirror surfaces, and bold outlines, generating fascinating visual aesthetics within the interior. 

all images by hu yijie

walking through the glass entrance of the bookstore by x+living, visitors meet a light-colored space with grid bookshelf walls. sofa chairs and private leisure seats are scattered within the room, inviting guests to relax and read. meanwhile, on the other side, the light and dark walnut colored bookshelves overlap with each other, creating a towering rock-like formation, which refers to the coastal location of the new shop. the bookshelves are arranged at various levels, while numerous cabinets hang from the ceiling, inviting customers to explore visually. 

both on the first and on the second floor of the zhongshuge bookstore, guests can observe the mirror surfaces. the reflected, inverted effect broadens the visual experience of the limited space. the room looks larger and wider, while all furniture and books multiply. the bookshelves are integrated into the storage cabinets to display the various products, with those at lower levels being used as seats, set up against the staircase. 

the bookstore includes a double lecture hall that is high in the middle, and low on its sides. the highest point of the hall offers a bird-eye view of the whole interior, while the bookshelf side- walls envelop the seating area. under the mirror ceiling, the story height is visually doubled, and the virtual and real extension of windows, people, and books in the scene is all captured in the frame view.

the children’s area comprises a playful, fun room filled with bright colors and interesting shapes. it is designed based on a music theme, with the wall decorations resembling traditional musical instrument called pipa, and the reading table looking like a reinterpreted rattle drum. all of these elements originate from the designers’ interest in traditional culture, aiming to form an ideal growth environment for children. 

project info:

name: ningbo zhongshuge
architecture office: x+living
lead designer: li xiang
design team: luo ziyan, zhang xiaosong, jiang xueping, fan haifeng, che rui, chen xiang
location: ningbo, zhejiang, china
area: 1230 m2
project director: ren lijiao, wu feng
customized soft decoration: xiang

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom