Juanzong Books and Eureka! Touring Library at Aranya by genarchitects

Located in the Anaya Art Center in Qinhuangdao, Juanzong Books and Eureka! Touring Library is a transformative adaptive reuse project by genarchitects. Originally designed as a café, this space has been reimagined into a multifunctional bookstore and exhibition venue, tailored for architectural literature and dynamic book fairs.

The site consists of two interconnected spaces: a double-height atrium (6m high) and a smaller, low-ceilinged room (2.5m high) that opens into an outdoor sunken theater. With only a month for construction, the design strategy prioritized minimal intervention. The architects retained existing floors and walls while enhancing spatial atmosphere through custom ceiling fixtures, bespoke furniture, and thoughtful spatial planning.

A Raw and Honest Architectural Bookstore

Eschewing ornamentation, the space evokes a studio-like ambiance—functional, tactile, and grounded. Furniture selections—including handmade drawing tables and stools—draw inspiration from the utilitarian legacy of design studios. Pendant lamps, also designed by the architects, provide cool, neutral light ideal for reading and working, and intentionally diverge from the typical cozy café aesthetic.

Spatial Narrative and Zoning

The high-volume café area acts as a flexible exhibition space, its large white walls ideal for showcasing posters and architectural models. In contrast, the lower gallery space embraces a darker, more intimate atmosphere. Here, built-in bookshelves with self-illuminating light fixtures create theatrical moments. A central drawing table, softly lit from above, becomes a stage for books and creative exchange.

Curated Light & Atmosphere

Light plays a central role in shaping the visitor experience. Sheer gauze curtains added to all windows soften harsh light and eliminate visual distractions from the outside, enhancing the introspective nature of the bookstore and maintaining visual continuity during book fairs. These curtains transform irregular spaces into cohesive, tranquil zones.

Custom Furniture with Purpose

Every element—from exhibition tables to pendant lamps—was designed in-house. The long tables use a clever modular support system, where legs positioned at unconventional quarter points allow structural independence and easy flat-packing for portability. The pendant lamps are crafted from folded galvanized steel, recalling origami-like craft techniques, with notches adding visual lightness and a nostalgic, human touch.

Eureka! Touring Library: Seamless Integration

As part of the broader Eureka! Touring Library project, this installation supports community reading, creative education, and cultural exchange. Posters line the spiral ramp connecting diverse rooms in the art center, creating a unified, immersive atmosphere despite spatial variations.

All the photographs are works of Hao Chen