07 July 2022 – By Promostyl

Zhongshuge, a unique reading experience

Founded by book publisher Jin Hao, Zhongshuge is a bookstore chain in China. Since 2010, X+Living Studios has designed more than 20 of them with highly imaginative interiors.

One of the latest bookstores is the one in Shenzhen which is divided into 4 distinct spaces: the concept, the forum, the children's corner, and the conference area, all with different atmospheres that immerse the customer in a unique reading experience.

The centerpiece of this space is a spiral staircase built in the center of the shop as both an art installation and a functional library.

 "The designers have taken the symbolism of the ladder of wisdom and integrated the elegant and dignified shelves of the forum area into an imposing ladder, thus creating a sacred temple of knowledge," explains the statement of the design company.

In the same unreal atmosphere, the tables are levitating, their legs blending perfectly into the shiny black tiles, creating a surreal atmosphere.

The cultural context of the city of Shenzhen had a great influence on the design of this space. The architects decided to pay tribute to the progress of the city through the dynamic design of this bookstore.

Shenzhen started as a small fishing village and quickly grew into one of China's most populous cities, its region is home to an international community of entrepreneurs and innovators who have helped shape the ultra-modern metropolis it has become.

Here are some examples of several bookstores designed by the X+Living studio, each more impressive and spectacular than the next.