Read Life: A Symbiotic Cultural Space by Tina Sheng

Winner of A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020

The design of Read Life is rooted in the belief that life is about the pursuit of spirit, gratitude, and contribution to society. The space is designed to be communal and universal, a place where people can rest, read, and cogitate. It is also a space where people can enjoy a moment of calm, have a cup of coffee, and savor food. The multiple functions and diversified developments of the space make it a crucial strength promoting social developments.

The design of the shared space is realized through a composite space on the 1st floor, encompassing the main reading area, a bread shop, a small supermarket, and a café. The floor-to-ceiling display cabinets adorned with plants on the vertical scale unite organic, indoor greening, and air purifying functions, corresponding to the concept of interior design.

Distinct from the general impression of a reading area, the towering book walls resemble the movie scene in “Roman Holiday,” where the actress Audrey Hepburn first met the actor. The café, located behind the reading area, is embellished with sufficient daylight and elegant colors and adornments consistently conformed to the main design skills. The stair lighting, from the 1st to 2nd floor, is a gorgeous feature.

The 2nd floor, surrounding the tall indoor space, houses an art gallery and children’s play area. The capacious environment is comfortable for playing and reading activities. Staying in the tall and open space, people have different experiences of reading and life. This is a space that not only connects books and people but also enhances the communications of knowledge and life among people.

Read Life, located in Henan, China, was completed in October 2018. The project was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, a testament to the design's marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting qualities. The award reflects the designer's prodigy and wisdom, and the design's extraordinary excellence and significant impact on the world with its desirable characteristics.