The latest addition to Jetlag Books' collection of stores is a fascinating example of how architecture can pay homage to the past while still feeling fresh and relevant. The Friendship Store in Beijing, designed by Studio NOR, is a thoughtful nod to the historical context of its site, specifically the former service building to the neighbouring Friendship Store complex, a supply store built in 1972.
What makes this project particularly intriguing is the way it blends the Soviet-style facade and Bauhaus-informed volumes of the Friendship Store with contemporary design principles. The rough plastered facades and large steel overhangs are a direct reference to the past, while the overall design presents a sense of continuity and unity. This intermediate state is a clever way to blend past stories into the present daily life, connecting the building and the street, the brand and the community, and the past and the present.
One of the most striking features of the store is the L-shaped plan that combines a service building from the 1970s and a steel-structured building added in the 2010s. Studio NOR re-envisioned the existing steel structure as a 'frontier' or 'display window' at the store's front, adorned with matching steel signage. This creates a sense of continuity between the two buildings while also highlighting the unique character of each.
The interior design is equally impressive, with a central bar area that serves as the heart of the bookstore. The bar is wrapped in dark green and brown tiles, creating a visually dynamic space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The modular stainless steel bookshelves showcase Jetlag Books' travel-themed collection, while the glazed wall tiles and matt-black flooring add a touch of modern elegance.
The multi-functional area at the northern end of the store serves as a seating area for the cafe, with moveable furniture allowing the space to be used for exhibitions, events, and pop-up activities. The suspended ceilings expose the building's steel and concrete roofs, which have been paired with grey-toned concrete walls and terrazzo floors to echo the neighbouring Friendship Store.
In my opinion, the Jetlag Books Friendship Store is a testament to the power of architecture to create a sense of place and community. The design team's attention to detail and respect for the historical context of the site is evident throughout the project. The result is a bookshop that feels both timeless and contemporary, a place where readers can immerse themselves in the world of books while also experiencing the rich history and culture of Beijing.
What makes this project particularly fascinating is the way it challenges the notion of 'disruptive innovation'. Instead of ignoring the remnants of the past, the design adopts an intermediate state that blends past stories into the present daily life. This approach not only pays homage to the historical context of the site but also creates a sense of continuity and unity between the past and the present.
In conclusion, the Jetlag Books Friendship Store is a must-visit destination for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike. It is a testament to the power of design to create a sense of place and community, and a reminder that architecture can be both timeless and contemporary at the same time.
