In a city as vibrant and historically rich as Beijing, the opening of Jetlag Books' latest store is an intriguing development. This bookshop, designed by Studio NOR, is more than just a place to browse and buy books; it's a carefully curated nod to the past, a blend of architectural styles, and a reflection of the city's evolving cultural landscape.
A Fusion of Styles
The Friendship Store, as it's aptly named, is situated along Chang'an Avenue, occupying a site with a unique historical context. It pays homage to the former service building that once stood there, part of the Friendship Store complex built in 1972. Studio NOR's design is a fascinating fusion of Soviet-style aesthetics and Bauhaus-inspired volumes, a unique architectural cocktail.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the studio's approach to preservation. They've managed to strike a delicate balance, neither attempting to freeze the building in time as a museum piece nor completely erasing its past. Instead, they've created an 'intermediate state,' as Jetlag Books puts it, where the past is seamlessly woven into the present. This approach is a refreshing take on architectural design, one that respects history while also embracing the needs and aesthetics of the present day.
A Bookshop with a Story
The 180-square-metre space is an L-shaped wonder, combining elements from a 1970s service building and a more recent steel-structured addition. Studio NOR has reimagined the steel structure as a 'frontier' or 'display window,' a clever use of the existing architecture to create a unique and inviting storefront. The single-storey volume is further enhanced by a street-facing plaza, offering a welcoming outdoor space for visitors.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the design is the reinterpretation of the neighbouring building's facade. The studio has created thick walls, deep-set windows, overhanging eaves, and high parapets, all paying homage to the original Friendship Store while adding a modern twist. This attention to detail extends to the interior, where modular stainless steel bookshelves showcase Jetlag Books' travel-themed collection, complemented by glazed wall tiles and matt-black flooring.
A Space for Community
The central bar area, described as the most visually dynamic space in the bookstore, is a true focal point. Wrapped in dark green and brown tiles, it's a warm and inviting space that encourages visitors to linger. Above the bar, an existing opening has been transformed into a deep skylight, flooding the space with natural light. The multi-functional area at the back serves as a flexible space, accommodating everything from cafe seating to exhibitions and pop-up events. The exposed steel and concrete roofs, paired with grey-toned concrete walls and terrazzo floors, echo the neighbouring Friendship Store, further strengthening the connection between the past and present.
In my opinion, this bookshop is more than just a retail space; it's a community hub, a cultural destination, and a living, breathing piece of architectural history. It's a testament to the power of design to connect people, places, and times, and a wonderful addition to Beijing's cultural landscape.
A New Perspective
This project raises a deeper question about the role of architecture in preserving and interpreting history. It's a fascinating exploration of how we can honor the past while also creating spaces that are relevant and engaging for modern audiences. It's a delicate balance, and one that Studio NOR has navigated with skill and creativity.
As we continue to see the evolution of architectural design, projects like the Jetlag Books Friendship Store remind us of the importance of context, history, and community in shaping our built environment. It's a refreshing take on retail design, and one that I believe will inspire further exploration and innovation in the field.
