LVWA Bookstore, Shanghai's First Sports-Themed Bookstore

LVWA Bookstore is a sports-themed bookstore designed by Studio YUDA and Studio NOR. Located in the Ping-Pong Academy Building of the Shanghai Institute of Physical Education, this bookstore is designed to take advantage of the skylight atrium with a height of 17 meters. The biggest challenge in this project is how to express body-strengthening sports activities on a bookstore design that is a source of knowledge. A saying quoted by the designer, "To climb the peak of knowledge bravely," became the initial idea and translated that seeking knowledge and climbing is equal to having the same goal. From the idea, designers created the image of the "mountain" as a design concept applied to the LVWA bookstore.

The Design of LVWA Bookstore

On the ground floor of the LVWA bookstore, it consists of 4 small rooms that are interconnected and have access to the main area, namely the atrium with a blue "mountain"-like space installation up to 13 meters high. The space installation has five different heights, such as natural mountain conditions. The highest peak, a circle, depicts the sun slowly rising between mountains. This area is not only the visual center of the project but also a center of air circulation due to the extremely high void. The main form is also implemented on 15 small book mountains in each space with a step motif, each of which performs the function of a bookshelf, chairs, bar counter, and podium.

Installation of a "Mountain" similar Space on the Atrium of the Building

Transformation of Mountain Shapes on Design Elements

Visitors can explore the atrium's interior through steps and moving paths to reach the top. The interior is for displaying and storing books, while the open space between the mountains serves as a "walking place", allowing the reader to explore freely. The blue color fills all room elements, such as the floor, walls, and ceiling, including the book display shelves. A small space between the book collections, equipped with chairs and lighting that can be used to read books for visitors who want to read quietly without interruption.

Book Display Area Filled with Blue Color

Individual Reading Rooms for Customers

The original condition of the building with walls and ceiling was left exposed in a gray color that can blend with the blue on the book display shelf. In some corners, the book display is accented with ball-shaped lights to create an ambiance in the room. This bookstore provides freedom of movement for customers due to the dynamic and non-rigid spatial arrangement.

The Display Area of LVWA Bookstore

Ball-Shaped Light Accents Decorate the Room

After choosing a book, customers can sit back and relax while reading a book in the reading area. This reading area gets maximum natural lighting from the window opening on the left side, which is equipped with a white curtain to avoid glare. In addition, the entire room in this bookstore is designed in line with blue and dynamic shapes.

Reading Area of LVWA Bookstore

Sunlight Shines on the Reading Area