Beijing Fenghemuchen Space Design create serene wooden library and café
by Stu Robarts | 24 Oct 2019
– Yi Chen and Muchen Zhang
Beijing Fenghemuchen Space Design has created a 1,170sq m (12,600sq ft) library, coffee shop and cultural space in China's Hangzhou City that is contained and shaped by natural wooden bookshelves and elements.
The aim was to create a reading-themed space that could also be used for shared experiences and community purposes.
Designers Yi Chen and Muchen Zhang chose to use oak throughout for its warmth and naturality as a material – and for the subsequent sense of calmness that it offers.
They explained: "By building and shaping the space with natural wood, a kind of resonance with the human body can be created, which adds a dimension of warmth and kindness to everything we do in the space, making it a soothing and relaxing retreat from urban pressure."
Bookshelves stretch up to 10m (33ft) high, effectively becoming the walls of the space, with smaller units used to divide and sculpt the layout.
A large glass wall on the lower level and large windows on the upper level allow plenty of natural light in and provide views of a garden outside, reinforcing the sense of naturality within the space.
In addition to areas for reading and drinking coffee, the Yue Library has areas dedicated to the different senses, including a space for discussion and a children’s playground.
It is also intended to act as a versatile hub for community groups and cultural experiences like literary, arts, movie and music events.
Design work began in April 2018 and construction began in March 2019. The library was completed this summer.
Large glass windows allow plenty of natural light in Credit: Xiangyu Sun
The bookshelf pattern is carried through to the ceiling in the space Credit: Xiangyu Sun
The space is split into different levels and sections Credit: Xiangyu Sun
Stairs are mixed with terracing where people can sit to read Credit: Xiangyu Sun
Balcony guards are made of glass to keep the focus on the use of wood Credit: Xiangyu Sun
Bookshelves stretch up to 10m (33ft) high Credit: Xiangyu Sun
Unusual sightlines are created by different alignments in the layout Credit: Xiangyu Sun
In addition to more relaxed spaces, there are spaces for study Credit: Xiangyu Sun
Simple lights that are sympathetic to the rest of the design hang from the ceiling Credit: Xiangyu Sun
There are for drinking coffee and for discussion Credit: Xiangyu Sun
The space is both contained and shaped by wooden bookshelves Credit: Xiangyu Sun
The outside garden is visible from inside, reinforcing the sense of naturality Credit: Xiangyu Sun
Beijing Fenghemuchen Space Design has created a 1,170sq m (12,600sq ft) library, coffee shop and cultural space in China's Hangzhou City that is contained and shaped by natural wooden bookshelves and elements. The aim was to create a reading-themed space that could also be used for shared experiences and community purposes. Designers Yi Chen and Muchen Zhang chose to use oak throughout for its warmth and naturality as a material
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