Chongqing Zhongshuge: A Mirrored Bookstore Reflecting a City's Splendor

Designer Xiang Li Transforms Reading into a Visual Journey through Chongqing's Landscape

Inspired by the city's unique landscape and rich history, Xiang Li aimed to create a bookstore that would offer visitors a sense of being in Chongqing while reading. The city, known for its mountainous terrain and numerous historical sites, has always been an attraction for writers and calligraphers. The designer's vision was to bring this allure to the bookstore, making it a cultural landmark in the city.

What sets Chongqing Zhongshuge apart from other bookstores is its unique design properties. Xiang Li utilized a mirror ceiling to create a sense of spaciousness and to reflect the cityscape within the confines of the bookstore. This innovative approach allows visitors to experience the magnificence of Chongqing in a way that the internet simply cannot offer. The bookstore also features an Escher-like space, the ladder hall, where bookshelves are designed like ladders, integrating function and aesthetics in a visually stunning manner.

The realization of this design was achieved through a combination of innovative techniques and careful planning. The bookstore greets visitors with a simple glass facade covered with text, leading to a lobby with scattered lampshade-shaped bookshelves. The kids' reading room is adorned with colorful bookshelves featuring drawings of Chongqing's landscape, buildings, and transportation. The main study, a ladder hall, doubles the size of the room with a mirrored ceiling, creating an astonishing space.

The design project, completed in January 2019, spans a floor area of 1300 sqm. The bookstore not only offers a unique reading experience but also serves as a meeting place for like-minded individuals. The design process involved extensive research to identify elements that resonate with the city's culture and public sentiment. The challenge of presenting the city's landscape within a limited space was overcome by using the concept of a ladder, effectively showcasing the complex geomorphic environment.

In conclusion, Chongqing Zhongshuge is a testament to the power of innovative design in transforming spaces and experiences. The bookstore, through its unique design and cultural relevance, offers visitors an immersive reading experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional bookstores. It is a cultural landmark that embodies the spirit and charm of Chongqing, making it a must-visit destination for book lovers and design enthusiasts alike.