Transforming Traditional Bookstores: Jiuwu Culture City, Shenyang

Frank Jiang and JATO Interior Design Team's Innovative Multi-Use Space

The design philosophy of “book nestle” was applied to reflect the coziness and comfort of space. The entire space is composed of scenery seen in climbing, providing customers with more than just enjoyment of space. Each step taken reveals a different scenery, and each scenery holds a different value. This approach has created a unique experience for visitors, making them feel like they are walking in a book jungle.

The centerpiece of this 15,000 square meter project is the “hero” space. Here, visitors move to a lighter-toned timber-outfitted environment enhanced with dramatic designs. Lantern-like cocoons hang from the ceiling while stairways serve as communal spaces. These stairways encourage visitors to linger and read while sitting on the steps, adding a unique charm to the space.

The design team faced several challenges during the transformation process. The limitations of space and the difficulty of activating and dismantling the structure of such an old building were among the key challenges. However, the team managed to exert maximum functions and utilize the layout on the original building structure to get the best benefit. The bookstore was divided into four levels: 24-hour bookstore, lifestyle taste, kids and youth, and ancient books.

Another significant challenge was integrating the interior with the building facade. The team created the “V-shaped” pattern, symbolizing an opened book, as the design language on the ceiling and floor pattern. This pattern was connected to the façade, retail area, and bookstore space with finishing materials such as wood veneer and a raw finished concrete background.

The Jiuwu Culture City project started on 1 June 2015 and was completed on 23 April 2017. The project was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.