Yangzhou Zhongshuge Library

WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Shao Feng

Yangzhou Zhongshuge is a monumental library and bookstore designed by Shanghai studio XL-Muse.

The space boasts a virtual tunnel of books, created by arched shelving and black mirrored floors that give the illusion of a river flowing through the tunnel. This, among numerable other design illusions, has readers of all ages flocking to the latest Zhongshuge bookstore.

Located in the Star Avenue shopping complex of Yangzhous’s Binjiang District in China, the design is inspired by the store’s waterside location and its history as a meeting place for literati and poets. It aims to serve as the bond between humans and books. The ceiling-high shelving in the tunnel is separated by a lightning-bolt-shaped gap that emulates a flowing river in the reflection below, intending to lead readers to the dramatic lobby that is comprised of a reading room and a village-themed children’s area.

The 1000 square metre project was headed by Li Xiang and features a main reading room with sculptural, white pillars that curve inwards from the ceiling, making for an interesting optical illusion. The children’s picture book pavilion is a burst of colour and play with hot air balloon, house, tower and cloud-shaped shelving, as well as multi-coloured displays bordered with a dark roof that simulates a starry-night sky.

The main store offers a clean and cool ambience created by a complementary coupling of glass, strip lights, mirror, white space and natural lighting that shines through the glazed glass wall. The Reading Corridor allows for a more intimate, dark browsing experience that makes its way to the grand Reading Theatre that boasts wraparound shelving and comfortable reading chairs.

View more XL-Muse projects at xl-muse.com.