It is difficult to tell where the novels end and the reflective surfaces begin in this Chinese bookstore.
The store was designed by the Shanghai studio 'XL-Muse' in Zhen Yuan. The 'Yangzhou Zhongshuge' Chinese bookstore is extremely symmetric and this effect was achieved with the inclusion of mirrored surfaces throughout the space. Part of the bookstore is shaped as a tunnel and has shelves that reach the ceilings -- which are mirrored in the reflective floor. The result is an unusual optical illusion that makes the process of shopping for books at this store an experience rather than a chore. The design of this Chinese bookstore was inspired by its surrounding waterside location and arched bridges.
As technology continues to dominate in most aspects of life, this beautiful bookstore provides a greater incentive for people to read paper books.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Symmetric Design
- Opportunities for using symmetric design to create immersive and visually stunning retail experiences.
- Mirror Surfaces
- Innovation opportunities for incorporating mirror surfaces in retail spaces to create visually stunning optical illusions.
- Bookstore Experience
- Trends in creating unique and immersive experiences in bookstores to encourage reading in a technology-dominant society.
Where This Applies
- Retail
- Opportunities for creating immersive and visually stunning retail experiences using symmetric design and mirror surfaces.
- Interior Design
- Developing innovative ways of incorporating mirror surfaces to create visually stunning and immersive experiences in indoor spaces.
- Publishing
- Incorporating unique and immersive experiences in bookstores to encourage reading and promote paper-book sales.
