In recent years, with the diversification of purchasing channels and the widespread adoption of e-books, traditional bookstores have gradually declined, and reading frequency has decreased as consumers' reading habits have shifted. From traditional bookstores to chain bookstores to themed bookstores, consumers' reading habits have constantly evolved.
To reinterpret the value of bookstores and make "visiting a bookstore" no longer a purely commercial activity, I propose transforming books from the "main character to a supporting role," spreading them throughout various corners of the space.
Based on the three possibilities of playing a supporting role as explained by Wikipedia, I intend to present the concept of 'books as supporting characters' through the design of three different spaces. Therefore, the main spaces are set as follows:
1.Record Store (a commercial space generally associated with books - Direct Flow),
2.Hand-Shaken Beverage Shop (a commercial space not necessarily associated with books - Semi-Reverse Flow),
3.Cigar Bar (a commercial space not usually associated with books - Reverse Flow).
The site is primarily chosen to be in the West District of Taichung City, as this district has the highest concentration of independent bookstores. According to the overall layout map, the surrounding area consists of high-rise residential buildings, making the site's characteristic of being located in a quiet alley ideal for a space that allows for self-reflection.
Books play different roles in every corner of the space, integrating auditory, tactile, olfactory, and visual senses to create a space that transcends mere commercial transactions, becoming an indispensable element in the pursuit of a high-quality lifestyle...
2023
Poster-04 : Direct Flow (a commercial space that people generally associate with books) - Record Store : In this space, reading no longer occupies most of the time, as music is the protagonist, while books play a supporting role as fake books (made from cypress wood) to complement the colorful records. Here, reading becomes an elegant activity, with an extended outdoor courtyard where one can occasionally read, listen to music, or enjoy the view outside, connecting with the auditory senses.
Poster-05 : (A new space combining the three main spaces) Cultural and Creative Exhibition Area : The wall design incorporates horizontally cut weathered wood, black lacquered glass inlays, and rusted steel plates cut and embedded into the glass with a transparent lacquer finish. This creates a vertical and horizontal cut, shaping a space that showcases and sells cultural and creative products that combine elements of the other commercial spaces.
Poster-06 : Semi-Reverse Flow (a commercial space that people may not generally associate with books) - Hand-Shaken Beverage Shop : Books become mere symbols, no longer sentences or paragraphs, but just letters, thus becoming more symbolic. The act of reading changes from sitting to standing. With sunlight streaming in, you can walk around while sipping today's mood beverage. In addition to using a book-selection machine to find your favorite books, you can also enjoy the wood-toned atmosphere and the "textured" warmth created by the shadows cast through engraved text walls, connecting with the tactile senses.
Poster-07 : Reverse Flow (a commercial space that people generally do not associate with books) - Cigar Bar : Books have their own stories, just as smokers have their own thoughts. Natural elements are integrated into the entire space, creating an overall atmosphere of tranquility. The design extends across different materials such as stone, wood, and brick walls. In this space, one can enjoy the personal moment of smoking a cigar, connecting with the olfactory senses.
Designer : LIU,PEI-CHUN
Advisor : CHEN,JUIN-JIE
University / School : Chaoyang University of Technology
