Jetlag Books' latest shop nods to Soviet-style supply store in Beijing: A Fusion of Past and Present
The opening of Jetlag Books' newest store in Beijing is a fascinating example of architectural storytelling, blending historical context with contemporary design. This bookshop, designed by Studio NOR, pays homage to the site's past while offering a unique shopping experience in the present.
A Historical Nod to the Future
Situated along Beijing's Chang'an Avenue, the Jetlag Books Friendship Store occupies the site of a former service building to the neighbouring Friendship Store complex, a supply store built in 1972. Studio NOR's design draws on the Soviet-style facade and Bauhaus-informed volumes of this original building, preserving the rough plastered facades and creating large steel overhangs to frame its openings. This nod to the past is a subtle yet powerful reminder of the site's history, connecting the new with the old.
Blending Past and Present
The design neither preserves every trace of decay nor pursues disruptive innovation. Instead, it creates an intermediate state that seamlessly blends past stories into the present daily life. The bookshop is organised on an L-shaped plan, combining a service building from the 1970s with a steel-structured building added in the 2010s. This fusion of eras is a testament to the power of architectural evolution, where the old and new coexist harmoniously.
A Display Window to the World
Studio NOR re-envisions the existing steel structure as a 'frontier' or 'display window' at the store's front, adorned with matching steel signage. This design element not only serves as a visual anchor but also as a symbolic gateway to the bookshop's unique offerings. The single-storey volume is framed by a street-facing plaza, providing outdoor seating for visitors, creating a welcoming and accessible atmosphere.
A Central Hub for Community
Inside, the bookshop is arranged around an 8.5-metre-long bar, which stitches together a book display area and a multi-functional area. The modular stainless steel bookshelves showcase Jetlag Books' travel-themed collection, set off by glazed wall tiles and matt-black flooring. The central bar area, described as the most visually dynamic space, is wrapped in dark green and brown tiles, with a deep skylight drawing daylight into the space.
A Space for Events and Exhibitions
The multi-functional area at the northern end serves as a seating area for the cafe, with moveable furniture allowing the space to be used for exhibitions, events, and pop-up activities. Suspended ceilings expose the building's steel and concrete roofs, paired with grey-toned concrete walls and terrazzo floors, echoing the neighbouring Friendship Store. This design not only creates a cohesive visual experience but also a dynamic and adaptable space for the community.
A Design Team Effort
The Jetlag Books Friendship Store is the latest bookshop in a series of projects by Jetlag Books, founded in 2020 by designer Li Guanru and editor Lian Ziqiang. The design team, including Boyuan Jiang, Jingwen Wang, Shuo Yang, Jin Gan, Yichen Jin, and Chenxiao Yan, brought their unique perspectives to the project, ensuring a cohesive and inspiring final product.
In conclusion, Jetlag Books' Friendship Store is a testament to the power of architectural storytelling, where the past and present merge to create a unique and captivating shopping experience. It is a space that not only celebrates history but also invites visitors to explore the future, one book at a time.
