Push the glass curtain door open and observe the unique C-shape bookshelves in a natural walnut colour appear before your eyes. The seemingly irregular sequence builds intimacy within the space and becomes a highlight in the front hall. Grey tiles are the inspiration for the unique space with a historical sense.

Walking under the bookshelf is like walking alongside an outdoor eave or stepping into a rolling mountain. Open a book and you will be instantly drawn into the atmosphere. Time appears to stand still with each step as you wander among the books.

The profound cultural heritage of the reading space offers scenery much different from traditional bookstores. Bookshelves extend from the space to the adjacent columns, ingeniously piquing readers’ curiosity and guiding them along their route.

Green bamboo forest with its panda

Walking along the winding way between the bookshelf wall, a children’s reading area is suddenly exposed, where random and irregular green bamboo has been “transformed” into bookshelves in a creative way.

The designer also chose a representative decorative element of Sichuan – the lovely panda. An illustration hangs on the bookshelves depicting pandas climbing on high branches, creating a beautiful artistic concept of natural vitality. Looking downward, colourful cushions are stacked like hills, creating a lovely dreamy reading atmosphere for children. The cushions can also be separated for individual use, allowing children to comfortably sit and relax on the ground.

Greenery, Trees, and Lakes

The bookshelf wall, inspired by the magnificent Dujiangyan Dam, spreads upward like a super city wall built of historical culture and serves as a functional carrier for books. Here the designer uses a mirrored ceiling to visually expand spatial ductility and to create a sense of openness.

Against the intense black tiles on the floor, the book tables appear like boats quietly moored on a lake. They paddle and float between the bookshelf wall.

The breath-taking scenery of Dujiangyan is vividly presented in the space. Through door holes on the bookshelf wall, different functional areas are all within sight, enriching the visual experiences of readers.

Architectural changes to the structure along the walkway also reflect the dynamic aesthetics of climate change, whether it be rain, wind, or fog. Visitors, either staying for an afternoon or just dropping by for a quick visit, will appreciate the unique spiritual core of Zhongshuge, conducive to ideological inspiration.

Historical dialogue condensed

Moving up the stairs, bookshelves to the side offer a variety of books within easy reach. Other inaccessible areas are decorated with book pattern film, continuing to build the majestic momentum of the space. By creating end scenery and using architectural techniques, the designer moves the magnificent spirit of mountains and rivers into the indoor space, presenting readers with a powerful artistic landscape that captures the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

Here, we see a city. We listen to the dialogue between culture and wisdom, interpret the cultural thoughts condensed in a historical context, experience ancient feelings with a poetic flavour, and picture the dream in our minds. Whether it be the tile technology used to depict ancient wisdom in the reading area or the bamboo sea display in the children’s reading space that captures a sense of happiness and innocence, or the portrayal of natural scenery in the literary area, the design elements aim to create an ideal destination for the soul, marked by the harmonious coexistence of liveability and natural ecology.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Project name: Dujiangyan Zhongshuge
Location: Sichuan, China
Project area: 973㎡
Completion time: 2020.09
Design Company: X+LIVING
Creative Designer: LI XIANG
Project Director: Fan Chen, Wu Feng
Participating Designers: Cu Zehuan, Lin Maiqi, Jiang Xueping, Fan Haifeng, Che Rui, Peng Xiang
Photographer: SFAP

Our sincere thanks and appreciation to v2com newswire for the use of some of the information contained in this article. For more inspiration on the work of X+Living, visit http://www.xl-muse.com/

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