an Imaginary Castle of Bricks, Space Design for ‘Zhongshuge Tianjin Bookstore’ in China

an Imaginary Castle Made of Bricks, Spatial Design of ‘Zhongshuge Tianjin Bookstore’, China

located in Tianjin, China, the ZhongshugeBookstore is an original design that reinterprets the traditional material of brick in a modern way, and has been recognized as a culturalspace that crosses the boundaries between architecture and interior. the organically connected spatial configuration depicts the flow of knowledge and presents a new bookstore model where reading and commercial spaces coexist harmoniously.

about the design

design Studio: X+Living

location: Tianjin, China

square footage: 1,821

photos: SFAP

realizing imaginative spaces through architectural integration

X+Living has already showcased original bookstore designs across China, and in this project for Zhongshuge in Tianjin, the fusion of architecture and interiorscreates a fantastical space that transcends reality. The red bricks that line the exterior walls emphasize the inherent texture and craftsmanship of the material, and act as an emotional design element that slows down the pace of everyday life and offers visitors a moment of reflection.

reimagining the everyday – blinds-inspired details

the designers took inspiration from everyday blinds to create a form where light and space intersect: light entersthrough slender slits, creating a delicateambience like a hand flipping through a bookcase, transforming the exhibition space into a sensual reading experience.

colors and structure reflect the maritime city of Tianjin

at the center of the building, a blue steel structureis placed to symbolize the sea in Tianjin Harbor. the cut and curved design is reminiscent of waves, while the arched structure of the entrance is visualized as a wave of knowledge spreading out.

stairs, bookshelves, and voyage – a journey of thought

as you enter the bookstore, you are greeted by a maze of stairs and bookshelves. this is a metaphor for the human journey of intellectual exploration and the search for truth, where physical movement and mental journeys are connected in one flow.

a sculptural variation on traditional brickwork

more than 400,000 bricks were used in the building, each custom-designed in both shape and sizeto reflect the structural needs and aesthetic flow of the space. by breaking away from the traditional monotonous brick layout, we took a sculptural approach, turning the bookstore into a piece of sculptural art.

with 3D modeling and numerous simulations from the earliest stages of design, the project perfectly embodies the balance of material innovation and spatial sensibility.

a design experiment that pushes the boundaries of architecture

Zhongshuge Tianjin Bookstore is more than just a place to sell books; it is an architectural experiment that blurs perceptual boundaries. The intrinsic exploration of the material brick goes beyond technology to a new interpretation of form itself, opening up new possibilities for the design of cultural spaces.