Fangsuo bookstore by Chu Chih-Kang

16/10/2015. [Chengdu] China
metalocus, CLAUDIA CENDOYA
CIN-VALENTINE 01
Fangsuo library, in the Chinese city of Chengdu, is emerging as a groundbreaking proposal for a new type of commercial architecture. This project is closely related to its location and the population who will inhabit the library, as it seeks to transcend its basic function and to become a meeting place and for communication among the civic community.
Open Modal
Prev
Prev

The Taiwanese architect Chu Chih-Kang proposes a cavernous underground room that had no access to natural light, inspired by the traditional Buddhist Scripture Libraries. This current is then fused with a futuristic atmosphere with cosmic thematic which will invite the user to let his imagination fly. Thus, the opposite concepts of ancient/contemporary combine to create a unique atmosphere.

The entrance tunnel stands out among the rest of the elements. It consists on an escalator enclosed in a golden-coloured metallic plate. It leads down to the floor level of the store. This tunnel/meteor surrounds and captures the client until he is released to the lower cave.

Description of the project by Chu Chih-Kang

Chu's initial proposal was centered around "The Secret Scripture Library". Scripture libraries have been found around either in or under Buddhist temples for centuries and have an extended meaning of stored wisdom in Mandarin Chinese. The team found significant historical connections to the site, such as links to Daci Temple and one of the most famous monks in Buddhism - Xuan Zhang of the Tang dynasty.

Chu envisioned a bookstore that embodied the essence of ancient scripture libraries, but he also wanted a space that spoke to the Sichuan people and their way of life. Sichuan people lead a slow-paced and relaxed lifestyle and they love to socialize. These spaces represent how central "Wo" (a nest, cove or home) and "Bai" (intentional placement or design) are to the Sichuan people.

For Chu, the written word represents the collection of shared knowledge and wisdom. With this foundation of our known world we explore the unknown future. To encourage the customers to join this journey of exploration, Chu has infused the space full of imagery of the vast cosmos, with designs of constellations and planetary diagrams.

Following the theme of the cosmos, the entry to this building is through a sculpture shaped like a meteor. This mysterious tunnel is intentionally designed to feel narrow and confined for those passing through. This near claustrophobic experience is then followed by the immediate release into the large open space where you feel the pressure immediately released. The journey through this meteor, this ark to knowledge, is designed to release tension and allow customers to enter the space with a relaxed frame of mind, open to discovery and enchantment.

CREDITS. DATA SHEET.- 

Design.- Chu Chih-Kang (Chu Chih-Kang Space Design).
Participants.- Jia Lu, Li He, Li Liu-Zhen. 
Collaborators.- Fangsuo Culture Development Co., Ltd.

Location.- Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
Dates.- from October 2013 to February 2015.
Area.- 5.508 sqm.

CIN-VALENTINE 01

More information

Chu Chih-Kang CHU CHIH-KANG SPACE DESIGN

Chu Chih-Kang graduated from the National Taiwan Academy of Fine Arts in 2001. But his long career in the design world starts in 1997. He has won the international painting awards of ¡F product design and Red Dot Award.

He received the 2015 "Best of Best" award of Iconic Awards for the design of Fangsuo bookstore in Chengdu (China). Chu Chih-Kang Space Design has been invited to participate in numerous international exhibitions such as the Milan Furniture Fair 2008/2009, Objet Paris in 2008, Taipei International Design Festival 2009, Furniture Fair Singapore 2009 and the International Exhibition International Furniture 2011 in Shenzhen.

JUNG METALOCUS 01

Categories

Prev
Prev
Archive {{ activeCatName }}

Our selection