The Kawamura-Ganjavian 'Librairie La Fontaine' breaks the boundary of what is possible from a bookstore. The 'Librairie La Fontaine' is located in at the University EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland. The bookstore uses five "pods" to organize its products; these "pods" have a dual function as both shelves and reading rooms.
The design for these shelves was created by the architecture and design studio Kawamura-Ganjavian. Inspired by the the cylindrical atriums of the campus' SANAA building, the one that holds the Librairie La Fontaine, the company decided to create these beautiful curling shelves. Each of the pods varies from the next in configuration, size and book category. While, the inside of the pod houses a cozy padded reading room.
Kawamura-Ganjavian provide an unconventional adaption to the often rigid expectations of bookstores, showing their capabilities for future functional designs.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Secluded Curving Bookcases
- The trend of secluded curving bookcases in bookstores allows for unique and comfortable reading experiences.
- Dual-function Shelves
- The trend of shelves that double as reading rooms offers a multi-purpose solution for compact spaces.
- Flexible Bookstore Configurations
- The trend of bookstore pods with varying configurations and sizes provides flexibility in organizing book categories.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Bookstores
- Bookstores can implement secluded curving bookcases to provide customers with a unique and comfortable reading environment.
- Interior Design
- Interior designers can explore the use of dual-function shelves to optimize space in homes and offices.
- Architecture
- Architects can incorporate flexible bookstore configurations to create innovative and adaptable spaces for libraries and educational institutions.
