Mi Reading, Guangzhou | MOC DESIGN

The bookshop is located in Guangzhou Huangpu and is designed as a culture sharing hub for the community. Inspired by the local history and the Silk Road, the designers incorporate the imagery of sailing ships into the modern aesthetics. The multi-functional space combines book reading, theater, learning, children’s books, coffee, art, exhibitions, and community activities, creating a comfortable and relaxing cultural environment for the nearby residents.

The two-story structure features an open, double-height atrium achieved by connecting the central part of the site. The actual area is reduced, but the design visually enlarges the space, promoting smooth flow between levels. The rooftop pays homage to the city’s maritime heritage with the sail-inspired elements, reflecting the local culture.

An expansive public activity space is created with large tiered seating, ingeniously reconfiguring the flow and layout of both floors. The grand staircase, under typical circumstances, serves as a delightful reading area and a welcoming gathering spot. Depending on the occasion, it effortlessly transforms into a versatile venue for hosting diverse public events like study sessions and enlightening lectures.

On the staircase to the second floor, a red box is embedded outside the floors, housing different-sized rooms facing the theater stage. It complements the theater function, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass display surfaces. This design encourages people to exchange and discuss while ensuring a noise-free coexistence with the public area.Cleverly utilizing the high space of the theater area, the designers arrange numerous bookshelves from the first-floor ceiling to the height of the second-floor handrail. This not only enhances the visual continuity of the books, but also adds a sense of spatial immersion as customers browse through the shelves, reminiscent of navigating through a sea of knowledge.