The design concept originates from the idea of “a book falling from the sky”, and the shape of book is engaged with the architectural form to visualize the metaphor. Visitors are expected to step into the architectural space and get immersed into the tranquility to develop a positive self-talk and a journey of self-discovery.
To create an appealing waterfront space, the project starts with a 12m*40m rectangular plane foundation located on the east lake shore of Xinglong Lake Southwest Bay Area.Two ends of the roof ridge are vertically stretched from 3 meters to different heights where the southwest end is elevated to 16 meters and the northeast end stops at 7.5 meters. The curved roof surface is formed according to the height of four supporting corners as a flipped page, which reinterprets the pitched roof of traditional Sichuan folk dwellings.
Visitors could get access to the bookstore from the main entrance on the south end where the reception, the gallery walls and upwards forming a spatial sequence of entrance area.Walking through the art exhibition area and downward with several steps, the sunken reading area could be found as the core of bookstore. Standing, leaning, or sitting on the steps, users can gain the most comfortable reading state.The waterfront glass curtain wall extends to about one meterbeneath the water, adding more interest to the space with the light and ripples.MUDA thus provides users with a uniqueunderwater reading experience.The design of meditation area takes account of self-talk and internal monologue potentially needed from the perspective of readers. The theatre space, office and storage area are located at the secondary entrance, which could ensure the privacy and flexibility when activities are arranged.
The entirety of architectural structure is presented by steel frame. The vertical steel columns are subtly concealed in the keel installation of the glass curtain wall and covered by the wall with no traces.
Titanium zinc panels imported from France are adopted for the architectural surface. Panels are installed by using the flat lock system to provide a fish scale texture and a visual connection with the shimmering lake. The texture of the titanium-zinc panels also corresponds to thetraditional "tile roof" form.
More than 700 pieces of aluminum square tubes finished with wood grain extrusion are installed for the grille ceiling, forming the united aura. Each piece is bespoken with its individual curvature for assembling as a smooth hyperbolic ceiling surface. Insisting on obtaining a neat appearance, the mechanical extraction ducts, the smoke detection system and lighting circuits are strategically wrapped in the gap between the ceiling and the steel frame of the roof. The grille extends from the ceiling to the foot of the wall to stress the tension of the space.
The interior is presented in the most simple and pure way, using two materials, wood grain and concrete texture paint as the base color of the space, with the intention of eliminating complicated decorations and bringing a more comfortable visual experience for users.
