Eslite Suzhou: A Masterpiece of Tranquil Elegance

Unveiling the Aesthetic Living Gallery by Mandartech Interiors Inc.

The Eslite Suzhou bookstore, designed by Mandartech Interiors Inc., is a remarkable embodiment of the concept of an aesthetic living gallery. With its blend of natural, modern, and Eastern tranquility, the bookstore is a minimalistic space that showcases order, class, quality, and detail. The design draws inspiration from the charm of the park and the essence of Suzhou, transforming simple shelves into a bamboo grove or doors and windows along an old alleyway. The reflective copper ceiling, inspired by the delicate light reflecting off the lake, brings in some of the classic light and water aesthetics.

What sets the Eslite Suzhou bookstore apart is its unique design concept. The bookstore is sectioned into chapters and paragraphs, similar to literature, with nooks for reading and exchange planned according to each section of these rich, densely packed book displays. The main hall lies at the center of the store, with an emphasis on communicating a sense of knowledge and class. It is the central space for bringing together the exchange of ideas. The Art section, using a combination of classic and contemporary design language, captures a deep sense of artistic substance. The Literature section combines the written word with tea culture, symbolizing a dialogue between the East and West.

The design of the Eslite Suzhou bookstore is realized using a variety of materials including wood, metal, stone, millstone, copper, mirror, and fabric. The bookstore spans a total area of 3,120 square meters, divided into various sections including the Hall, Variety, Art, Literature, and Music. The design team, comprising of Chris Teng, Portia Hu, Kelly Du, Tina Yu, and Vicky Lee, has meticulously planned every detail of the design and layout.

The design of the bookstore is interactive, with large cutout spaces in the metallic dividers serving as points of interruption, clarifying lines of motion and providing a better experience of reading while wandering. Using the varying heights of bookshelves and floors, a visual sense of continuity and layering in the space is produced to guide those wandering and circulating. The sunken floor brings in the outside, with light spilling in. The interplay of light and shadow evolving as time passes, with the space minimally adorned, users are given a sense of purity.

The design of the Eslite Suzhou bookstore was not without its challenges. The challenge was to carry forward a showcase of innovation to mold a space that captured the essence of reading a vessel for language that embodies the imagery of Suzhou. The bookstore needed to be customized to create a space of distinctive dimensions, with a design focused on simplicity and maximizing the effect of minimal elements. Despite these challenges, the design team was able to create a space that is simple and modern, while also incorporating a feeling of classical elegance.

The Eslite Suzhou bookstore is a testament to the power of simplicity, symmetry, and thoughtful detail. The design has been recognized with the prestigious Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its outstanding design and cultural significance. The Eslite Suzhou bookstore is more than just a bookstore, it is a space that stays with you, a space that embodies the many faces of contemporary aesthetics.