Chu Chih-Kang Space Design 朱志康空間規劃

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design

FANGSUO BOOK STORE IN CHENGDU

Chu Chih-Kang

ARCHITECTS
Chu Chih-Kang

AREA
5280.0 m²

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Chengdu, China

CATEGORY
Library, Store

Text description provided by architect.

SUTRA DEPOSITORY

I was inspired by the history of Xuanzhang, a famous Chinese Buddhist monk in Tang dynasty; he resided and practiced Buddhism in Daci Temple before he went on a spiritual journey to India.

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design

Fangsuo Book Store is located at the underground level of the commercial streets, which surrounds the Daci Temple.

Therefore I had a bold idea of creating a modern underground “Sutra Depository”. Sutra depository is a private place to store all kinds of knowledge, such as books, sutras, and letters in ancient China.

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design

Many raw materials and techniques were used to resemble the scene of an ancient sutra depository, for example, concrete columns with large cutting surfaces, bookcases in the loft, the bridge and catwalk across the bookcases.

LEGEND

We think the bookstore should embody the concept of human history, culture, and wisdom; and it should embrace the past and unknown future with a grand vision.

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design

We want to create a gateway leading to a sacred and unknown world, just like a ‘Legend’ forever. I used the elements of planet diagram and constellation, and a sculpture of ark in the form of a meteorite to visualize this idea.

TEMPLE

We used a lot of high-pressure-release design techniques: just imagine in a cave, after walking through a secrete tunnel, you would be amazed to see a magnificent temple with 9-meter vast concrete columns, which would project an unforgivable impression. 

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design

Fangsuo Book Store not only carries cultures and living attitudes, but also provides customers a place for inner peace and a door of hope. 

NESTING

Nesting is a leisure attitude of life for Sichuan people: wherever they go, they’d like to have a place for “nesting”.

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design

For instance, while go climbing or shopping, they always want to find a place for card playing, chatting, or refreshments, such as tea, coffee, and snacks.

So to meet this need, we designed many sitting areas, where people can nest and really enjoy the peaceful and tranquil time of reading.

Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design


Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design


Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design
Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
© Chu Chih-Kang Space Design


Fangsuo Book Store In Chengdu
Floor Plan

Chu Chih-Kang Space Design 朱志康空間規劃
T +886 07 269 3656
Chu Chih-Kang Space Design 朱志康空間規劃
No. 507, Zhongshan 2nd Road, 801 Kaohsiung City, Taiwan (801)高雄市前金區中山二路507號12樓B02室