Fangsuo Bookstore: A Modern Cathedral of Wisdom

Chih-Kang Chu's Award-Winning Design Marries Ancient Wisdom with Modern Aesthetics

Chu's design for the Fangsuo Bookstore was inspired by its proximity to the ancient Daci temple and its historical links to Xuan Zang, a renowned monk of the Tang Dynasty. The idea of the Secret Scripture Library, a feature of many Buddhist temples, served as a key inspiration. These libraries, repositories of profound wisdom, were sought after by scholars for centuries. Chu aimed to bring this sense of solemnity and reverence for knowledge to a 60,000 square foot basement beneath a new development in the heart of Chengdu.

The Fangsuo Bookstore is more than just a place to buy books. It is a cathedral of wisdom, culture, and attitude, providing the people of Chengdu a place to read, enjoy leisure time, and enrich their minds. The design elements, including concrete columns, bookcases in the loft, air bridges, and cosmic elements, represent the image of the Secret Scripture Library. It is as if all the knowledge in the world is stored in this bookstore, waiting to be discovered.

Chu's design is not only visually stunning but also technologically advanced. Special anti-rust treatment was applied to the black iron used extensively in the space, preserving the raw look of the iron while protecting it. The outdoor entrance, made of copper and iron, bears the marks of time and memory through natural corrosion from rain and air.

The bookstore, located in the basement, covers an area of approximately fifty-hundred square meters and is connected to the outside through a futuristic escalator. The design caters to the slow-paced and relaxed lifestyle of the Sichuan people, offering numerous spaces for customers to settle down and read a book. This design element is a reflection of the local people's emotional connection with "Wo" (a nest, cove, or home) and "Bai" (intentional placement or design).

The project, which started in October 2013 and was completed in February 2015, faced several challenges. One of the most significant was the cultural fraction that has depressed people in China for centuries. However, Chu's design, a modern interpretation of the ancient secret cave and scripture library, offers an encouraging experience to those seeking to retrieve their cultural identity.

In conclusion, Chih-Kang Chu's Fangsuo Bookstore is a remarkable example of how design can transcend its functional purpose to become a cultural symbol. It is a space that respects and celebrates the native culture, offering a sanctuary of wisdom and knowledge in the heart of Chengdu. It is a testament to the power of design in shaping our experiences and our understanding of the world.