tall bookshelf arcs organize mesmerizing bookstore interior by x+living in china

shanghai-based architecture firm x+living has introduced yet another bookstore design, this time situated in the city of dujiangyan, in the south west of china. the new store, with its mirrored ceilings and its tall arc bookshelves, generates a unique, mesmerizing environment where one can explore the wondrous world of literature and cultural heritage. 

all images by shao feng

upon pushing the glass curtain door open, and entering the bookstore by x+living, the unique C-shape bookshelves with their natural walnut color welcome visitors inside. this seemingly irregular sequence is what builds intimacy within the space, and becomes the highlight of the front hall. the unique and lively arc shapes blaze a new trail and subtly divide the area. the bookshelves extend from the space to the adjacent columns, and ingeniously catch the readers’ curiosity and guide their route. strolling among the books, time within the store seems to slow down. 

walking through the winding way between the bookshelf walls, the children’s reading area suddenly emerges. ‘random’ and ‘irregular’ green bamboo elements were transformed into bookshelves, decorated with panda illustrations, to generate a fun, eye-catching environment. the pandas hang on the bookshelves, as the animals would climb on the high tree branches. colorful cushions are stacked forming small ‘hills’, to create a cozy, dreamy reading atmosphere for the children. the cushions can also be used separately, which also provides comfort for children to sit wherever on the ground and relax.

the design includes an x+living signature feature: mirror ceilings which help visually expand the space, while creating an overall open, tall interior. the flooring is covered with reflective black tiles, making the book tables appear like floating boats on a quiet lake. the whole architectural structure aims to portray the dynamic aesthetics of climate changes, whether it’s rainy, windy, or foggy. in this way, it seems as if the beautiful scenery of dujiangyan is vividly present within the bookstore. the designers aimed to create a whole indoor scenery, introducing the magnificent spirit of mountains and rivers into the interior, and presenting readers with elegant and powerful artistic landscape that expresseses awe to nature. 

project info:

name: dujiangyan zhongshuge
architecture office: x+living
lead designer: li xiang
project director: fan chen, wu feng
location: dujiangyan, sichuan, china
area: 973 m2

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom