JUANZONG Books & Cafe by CASE PAVILION: A Visionary Space for Reading and Reflection in Haikou, China

In 2021, Haikou City embarked on an ambitious cultural initiative, launching a series of projects titled "Pavilions by the Sea". These coastal pavilions aim to provide public entertainment spaces that foster intellectual engagement across various disciplines. Among these structures, "Mountain of the Sky" stands as a striking new urban landmark located at the northern end of Haikou Bay. Facing the scenic southwest coast, this architectural marvel, designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects, features an undulating, continuous ring-shaped roof constructed from a thin concrete shell.

CASE PAVILION, in collaboration with Aranya and local bookstore operators, Juanzhong Bookstore and Yishan Children’s Bookstore, has designed the JUANZONG Books & Cafe, a space where visitors can relax and immerse themselves in a world of literature and tranquility beneath this expansive roof.

Conceptual Design: Blurring Boundaries

The design for JUANZONG Books & Cafe is grounded in the desire to cultivate an abstract experience that seamlessly blends the interior and exterior, erasing boundaries and evoking a sense of timelessness. This approach aims to provoke a gentle sense of contrast, a rarity in typical commercial spaces, while embracing the natural beauty of Haikou Bay’s waterscape, vibrant sunsets, and dynamic flow of visitors. Through the design of the bookstore and café, the space merges the natural environment with the experience of engaging with literature, creating a living, dynamic atmosphere that encourages playful exploration.

Visitors enter this remarkable space and feel as though they are part of a floating, fluid world. People and objects interact and flow in harmony, as if drifting through water in schools of fish. The space is bathed in soft hues that mirror the joyful, serene colors of nature, seamlessly juxtaposing the colors of book covers with the surrounding environment to foster a peaceful escape from daily concerns.

Spatial Planning: A Dynamic Layout

One of the core objectives of the JUANZONG Books & Cafe design was to preserve the panoramic views and maximize the spatial experience. To achieve this, the architects minimized intervention with the building's undulating roof and floor structure, ensuring a seamless flow between the interior and the expansive surrounding views. The design decision to forgo additional walls promotes openness and enhances the sense of continuity, creating a space where individuals feel free to wander and explore.

To further enhance this open layout, the architects introduced a series of modular, double-sided furniture pieces. These non-directional elements allow for flexible use, adapting to the varying ceiling heights and diverse needs of the space. Adjustable track lighting was implemented to offer both upward and downward illumination, illuminating the bookshelves and display panels positioned at varying heights to cater to both adults and children.

This careful attention to lighting and furniture placement encourages movement, helping guide visitors through the space while maintaining the integrity of the original architectural structure.

Design Inspiration: Marine Life and Natural Forms

The design philosophy behind JUANZONG Books & Cafe draws inspiration from marine life and the adaptive structures found in the ocean. The architects envisioned the interior as a dynamic, fluid environment, where the people moving within it resemble schools of fish navigating through coral reefs. The spiral-shaped coffee bar, the flowing forms of seating arrangements, and the fluid curves of display panels and bookshelves all mimic the organic, harmonious shapes found beneath the sea.

Circular lighting tracks suspended throughout the space enhance the fluidity of the design, contributing to the sensation of being submerged in an ever-changing, natural environment. This symbiotic relationship between the space and its visitors creates an immersive experience that is both calming and stimulating.

Architectural Tactics: Embracing the Terrain

A key aspect of the design was the desire to preserve the original architectural structure and the unique texture of the building. By forgoing traditional facade partitions, the architects were able to maintain the continuity of the space, highlighting the curvature and undulations of the roof. This approach also facilitates an interaction between the interior design and the environment, redefining the relationship between space and its occupants.

Furniture in JUANZONG Books & Cafe is not merely functional but serves as a tool to guide visitor movement and experience. Through the strategic placement of seating, bookshelves, and lighting, the space encourages specific behaviors and interactions, allowing visitors to engage with the environment in a meaningful, intuitive manner.

 A Fluid, Experiential Space

JUANZONG Books & Cafe offers more than just a place to read; it is an experience that nurtures connection, contemplation, and creativity. By integrating architectural innovation with the natural environment, the space provides a unique haven for Haikou’s residents and visitors, offering a perfect balance between serenity and stimulation. Whether through the fluid movement of design elements, the harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape, or the thoughtful curation of space, this project stands as a testament to the power of design to shape the way we interact with our environment.

All Photographs are works of Runzi Zhu, Aranya