In a city as vibrant and historically rich as Beijing, the opening of Jetlag Books' latest store is more than just a new addition to the literary landscape. It's a thoughtful nod to the past, a creative interpretation of architectural heritage, and a bold statement about the role of design in preserving community and cultural identity.
A Fusion of Historical Context and Contemporary Design
Nestled along Chang'an Avenue, the Jetlag Books Friendship Store occupies a unique space, quite literally. It stands on the site of a former service building, once part of the iconic Friendship Store complex, a supply store built in 1972 with a distinct Soviet-style facade and Bauhaus-inspired volumes.
Studio NOR, the architectural firm behind this project, has masterfully woven together the historical and the contemporary. By preserving the rough plastered facades and creating large steel overhangs, they've not only paid homage to the original structure but also created a unique, modern interpretation.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the balance they've struck. As Jetlag Books puts it, the design is neither a time capsule nor a disruptive innovation. It's an 'intermediate state,' a beautiful blend of past and present, seamlessly connecting the building to its street, its brand to the community, and its history to its daily life.
The L-Shaped Plan and Its Storytelling Potential
The 180-square-metre bookshop is organized on an L-shaped plan, combining two distinct buildings - a service building from the 1970s and a steel-structured addition from the 2010s. Studio NOR has reimagined this unique layout, transforming the steel structure into a 'frontier' or 'display window' at the store's front.
The single-storey volume is framed by a street-facing plaza, offering outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere. The studio's interventions, including the thick walls, deep-set windows, and overhanging eaves, reinterpret the neighboring building while creating a more inviting commercial street presence.
Interior Design: A Journey Through Time and Space
Step inside, and you're greeted by an 8.5-metre-long bar that stitches together two distinct areas. One end showcases Jetlag Books' travel-themed collection on modular stainless steel bookshelves, while the other end is a multi-functional space, serving as a seating area for the cafe and a flexible event space.
The central bar area, described as the most visually dynamic space, is wrapped in dark green and brown tiles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Studio NOR's transformation of an existing opening into a deep skylight above the bar adds a touch of brilliance, drawing natural light into the space.
A Community Hub and a Cultural Landmark
The Jetlag Books Friendship Store is more than just a bookshop. It's a community hub, a cultural landmark, and a testament to the power of design. By preserving and reinterpretating the historical context, Studio NOR has created a space that feels both familiar and fresh, a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously.
In my opinion, this project is a brilliant example of how architecture and design can breathe new life into historical sites, creating spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful and connected to their communities.
A New Chapter for Jetlag Books
This latest addition to Jetlag Books' portfolio, founded in 2020 by designer Li Guanru and editor Lian Ziqiang, is a testament to their vision and the design team's talent. With a design team that includes Boyuan Jiang, Jingwen Wang, Shuo Yang, Jin Gan, Yichen Jin, and Chenxiao Yan, the Friendship Store is a collaborative effort that showcases the best of contemporary design and architectural heritage.
As we reflect on this project, it raises a deeper question: How can we, as a society, better appreciate and preserve our architectural heritage while also embracing contemporary design? The Jetlag Books Friendship Store offers a compelling answer, one that blends the old and the new, the past and the present, in a way that is both respectful and innovative.
