Jetlag Books Blends Soviet-Style Architecture in New Beijing Store

Jetlag Books has recently unveiled its newest bookstore in Beijing, a project that harmoniously intertwines historical Soviet-style architecture with modern design elements. The architecture firm Studio NOR, tasked with the design, drew inspiration from the site's historical context, particularly the neighboring Friendship Store complex, a supply store dating back to 1972. This development is noteworthy for the AECM industry as it exemplifies the integration of historical architectural influences into contemporary commercial spaces, a growing trend in urban redevelopment.

What Happened
Jetlag Books' latest bookstore, located on Chang'an Avenue in Beijing, occupies a site that was once a service building for the Friendship Store complex. Studio NOR's design pays homage to the Soviet-style facade and Bauhaus-inspired volumes of the original Friendship Store. The design features rough plastered facades and large steel overhangs that frame the store's openings, creating a blend of past and present architectural styles. The 180-square-meter store is set on an L-shaped plan, merging elements from the 1970s building with a steel-structured addition from the 2010s. The store's facade was reimagined with thick walls, deep-set windows, and high parapets, which reinterpret the architectural language of the neighboring building.

Inside, the store is organized around an 8.5-meter-long bar that connects the book display area with a multi-functional space. This central bar area, described as the most visually dynamic part of the store, is wrapped in dark green and brown tiles and illuminated by a skylight. The multi-functional area at the northern end serves as a seating area and can be transformed for exhibitions and events, thanks to its moveable furniture.

Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
This project is significant for the AECM industry as it showcases the potential for adaptive reuse in urban settings, a crucial consideration amid increasing sustainability demands. By preserving elements of the site's historical architecture while introducing modern design, Studio NOR demonstrates a model for integrating old and new, an approach that can enhance cultural heritage and community engagement in urban developments. The use of modular stainless steel bookshelves and the careful attention to human-scale design also highlight innovative strategies for creating inviting commercial spaces, which can influence future retail and public space designs.

What's Next
The Jetlag Books Friendship Store serves as a cas