An Optical Illusion Bookstore in China


Feng Shao

In Taiyuan IF Center, FAB Cinema collaborated with Zhongshuge to create an innovational cinema experience, and we are invited to design this cross-brand project. Designing a cross-brand space is not simply about mixing features of two brands together. The designer integrated cultural aspects of both brands together organically, using humane sentiments of the bookstore to elevate brand value of the entertainment space, at the same time maximizing both spaces’ social features to bring customers a different experience.

More: Instagram h/t: archdaily


Feng Shao

On the fifth floor is the ticket office of the cinema, but also the reading hall for Zhongshuge. Concise outline of the bookshelf wall creates a ceremonial reception space, which also weakens the commercial atmosphere of the space. Wooden material with metal cover creates an exquisite feeling. It provides a unique way for audience to kill time before the movie.


Feng Shao

In the lecture hall, bookshelves adopt a step-down design and creates an abstract mountain shape, it helps achieve functions such as seats, stairs and displays naturally. The space is not only able to host book related events, but also is the perfect place for hosting various activities regarding movies culture.


Feng Shao

After the movie, audiences can grab a cup of hot drink in the café of Zhongshuge and have a chat about the movie they were enjoying. This is an exclusive after party for movie fans. Inspired by the mountain surrounded local landscape, the designer used white triangular geometric shapes to create mountains and formed a cave filled with knowledge.


Feng Shao

In the Children’s Area, designer used movie related elements such as projector, video recorder and film to create a fun little world, playfully highlights the theme of the place. In the corridor leading to the cinema from the bookstore, designer rearranged the arches in the 10 meters high space and formed a perspective with strong visual impact. The up and down stream traffic flow design cleverly separates the movie viewers from the book readers, preventing them from interfering with each other.


Feng Shao

Wood materials used in the project are all Level A fireproof, which not only highlight the aesthetics, but also guarantee safety. The space’s fine texture combining with the overall warm tone creates a cultural accumulating atmosphere. The design creates a positive flow for customers in different commercial spaces, it activates a new business model for cinemas, at the same time provides an upgrade of the “retail + entertainment” model for the renaissance of physical bookstores.


Feng Shao


Feng Shao


Feng Shao


Feng Shao


Feng Shao


Feng Shao


Feng Shao


Feng Shao


Feng Shao

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to Design You Trust Facebook page.

More Inspiring Stories

Artist Daniel Gulliver's Creates Fantastic 3D Debossed Tattoo Masterpieces

The City Of Utrecht In The Netherlands Turns 316 Bus Stops Into Bee Stops

Dystopian Lighthouses By Adrian Labaut Hernandez

Brand New Wall for Your Apartment

Charing and Relaxing At SPACE IN PAUSE With Veliz Architecto

The Bridges Along The River Thames In London Are To Be Lit Up As A Beautiful Piece Of Art

For the Last Decade, Artist and Collector Thomas Sauvin Recovered Discarded Negatives from A Recycling Plant Outside Beijing

Apple Store Opening In Bologna, Italy

The Saints Wear White: Artist Pays Homage To Chinese Medical Workers With Chapel Mural In Hubei Province

CyberHouse: Russian Architects Make Tesla Cybertruck Inspired House To Survive A Nuclear Apocalypse

South-Korean Architect Made A Bench That Looks Like A Root System

The Twin Towers During The 1970s And Early '80s Through Fascinating Photos

Large Scale Surreal Architectural Collages By Anastasia Savinova

Awesome Architectural Projects by Arthour Koupreychouk

New Amazon Warehouse Facility in Tijuana Slum

Amazing Photographs Documented Victorian Houses Moving In San Francisco In The 1970s

Russian Couple Build Pyramid Of Giza Replica In Their Rural Backyard

Brutalist Breuer Building Owned By IKEA Could Become Hotel In Connecticut

Exploring the Delicious Slices of London: A Look at Cafes from the 1980s

Real Pink Cat Found in China

Check Out this Ambitious House Built Into a Cliffside in Greece

Body Artist Emma Fay Transforms Models Into Animals In Mind-Bending Optical Tricks

Urban Explorers Infiltrate An Abandoned Prison In Europe

OX Restaurant & Grill

This Beautiful Hotel Will Take Your Breath Away

"Geometric Variants", An Optical Illusion Photography Project By Erika Zolli

What The Abandoned Silverdome Looks Like 13 Years After The Detroit Lions Left

Belgian Guy Documents Ugly Houses He Sees And They’re So Bad, It’s Hilarious

This Guy Builds A House Using Shipping Containers And Now His Biggest Expense Is His Phone Plan

How Remote Russian Places Would Look Like If They Had A Bit More Care