Xixi Goldmye Bookstore Alters an Abandoned Office into a Reading Space
Amy Duong — August 10, 2025 — Art & Design
References: theplan.it
The Xixi Goldmye Bookstore in Hangzhou transforms a 20-year-old, forgotten office into a radiant public library perched above the Xixi National Wetland. Atelier Wen’Arch stripped the original structure to its concrete columns, rebuilding it as an open, U-shaped pavilion that appears to hover over the water. Cantilevered laminated pine “book beams” bring warmth, structure, and integrated lighting while allowing natural ventilation.
A sculptural “Book Tower” stacks intimate reading mezzanines around a steel grid, offering vertical nooks with views. On the opposite side, a waterside pavilion with stepped seating extends into the wetland, blurring the line between interior and landscape. Large glazing and deep eaves flood the interior with daylight, creating a contemplative environment where the sky, water, and books meet. The design transforms the site into a cultural landmark that celebrates both literature and its natural surroundings.
Image Credit: Atelier Wen’Arch
A sculptural “Book Tower” stacks intimate reading mezzanines around a steel grid, offering vertical nooks with views. On the opposite side, a waterside pavilion with stepped seating extends into the wetland, blurring the line between interior and landscape. Large glazing and deep eaves flood the interior with daylight, creating a contemplative environment where the sky, water, and books meet. The design transforms the site into a cultural landmark that celebrates both literature and its natural surroundings.
Image Credit: Atelier Wen’Arch
Trend Themes
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Sustainable Architecture — Efforts to repurpose abandoned structures into environmentally integrated designs offer new pathways for sustainable architecture.
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Integration of Nature and Spaces — Designs that blend natural landscapes with built environments are fostering a new appreciation for the harmony between architecture and ecosystems.
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Adaptive Reuse — Transforming outdated or unused buildings into vibrant cultural spaces showcases the potential of adaptive reuse in urban development.
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Cultural Landmarks — Reimagining spaces with significant architectural designs can transform them into cultural landmarks that draw public engagement and tourism.
Industry Implications
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Green Architecture — The field of green architecture is finding inspiration in designs that merge sustainability with aesthetic appeal, like the floating wetland bookstore.
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Urban Development — Urban development can greatly benefit from the adaptive reuse of buildings, prioritizing innovative solutions that reflect both history and modern design.
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Publishing Industry — By reimagining bookstores in novel environments, the publishing industry finds new opportunities to create immersive literary experiences.
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Cultural Tourism — With an increase in architectural attractions, cultural tourism is evolving to include unique spaces that marry art and nature.
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