Journey through the looking glass into the world of books
New bookstore Zhongshuge Minhang, which resembles a kaleidoscope, has opened on the third floor of a business center in Minhang District.
This design, by Shanghai-based X+Living, is a continuation of a previous store in Hangzhou.
The 3,400-square-meter store is divided into different areas, including a boutique reading area, a children's library and cultural and creative halls.
A quiet corner in the Zhongshuge Minhang bookstore.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by snow-white bookshelves in the form of a brightly illuminated whirligig. They stand out against dark bookshelves.
The designers say this represents balance and harmony, which can be achieved by reading.
The unusual interior with geometric bookshelves immediately strikes the eyes.
The design is constructed on the idea of simple geometry — arches and triangles. Another important element of the bookstore is the lighting which creates a mysterious atmosphere. The lights are arranged in a way that makes each book clearly visible.
Strategically placed lighting and mirrors ensure that every book is clearly visible.
The design of Zhongshuge Minhang looks like a mosaic.
The kaleidoscope effect is best seen in the endless book corridor. Arches and shelves double in the mirrored ceiling, which is why the reflection merges with the real world.
The architects used the same effect in their previous bookstore, but this time, by using such arches, they wanted to pay homage to the architecture of old English churches.
Visitors can order coffee at a small bar in the middle of the bookstore and sit on white leather chairs or sofas.
The bookstore is at Shanghai 269 on Humin Road in Minghang, on the third floor of the business center.
The innovative bookstore is on the third floor of a business center in Minhang.
