In a city as vibrant and historically rich as Beijing, the opening of Jetlag Books' latest store is a fascinating development. This bookshop, designed by Studio NOR, is more than just a place to browse and buy books; it's a thoughtful nod to the city's past and a unique blend of architectural influences.
A Blend of Soviet and Bauhaus Styles
The Friendship Store, as it's aptly named, pays homage to its historical context. Situated along Chang'an Avenue, the site once housed a service building for the neighbouring Friendship Store complex, a supply store built in 1972. Studio NOR's design draws on this history, incorporating elements of the original Soviet-style facade and the Bauhaus-inspired volumes of the complex.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the studio's approach to preservation. They've managed to strike a balance, neither preserving every detail as a museum piece nor disregarding the past entirely. Instead, they've created an 'intermediate state,' as Jetlag Books puts it, where the past is seamlessly woven into the present.
A Unique Layout and Design
The 180-square-metre bookshop is an L-shaped space, combining a 1970s service building and a more recent steel-structured addition from the 2010s. Studio NOR reimagined the steel structure as a 'frontier' or 'display window,' a clever use of existing elements to create a unique entrance.
The interior is a study in contrasts. Modular stainless steel bookshelves showcase the travel-themed collection, set against glazed wall tiles and matt-black flooring. The most visually striking feature, however, is the central bar area, wrapped in dark green and brown tiles. It's a bold choice that adds a sense of warmth and character to the space.
Connecting Past and Present
One of the most intriguing aspects of this bookshop is its ability to connect with the community and the city's history. The design team has created a space that invites exploration and engagement. The outdoor seating area, for instance, encourages visitors to linger and enjoy the street life.
The preservation and reinterpretation of the existing doors and windows are a subtle yet powerful way to connect the building to its surroundings. By lowering these features to create a more welcoming commercial presence, Studio NOR has made the bookshop feel like an integral part of the street, a place that belongs and contributes to the city's narrative.
A Thoughtful Addition to Beijing's Cultural Scene
Jetlag Books' Friendship Store is a welcome addition to Beijing's cultural landscape. It's a space that invites reflection and exploration, both of the books within its shelves and the city outside its doors.
In my opinion, this bookshop is a testament to the power of architectural design to tell stories and connect communities. It's a place where the past and present coexist, and where the simple act of browsing books can become an enriching, immersive experience.
This project is a reminder that architecture, when done thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for preserving and celebrating history, and for creating spaces that truly enrich our daily lives.
