The Taiwanese architect Chu Chih-Kang proposes a cavernous underground room that had no access to natural light, inspired by the traditional Buddhist Scripture Libraries. This current is then fused with a futuristic atmosphere with cosmic thematic which will invite the user to let his imagination fly. Thus, the opposite concepts of ancient/contemporary combine to create a unique atmosphere.
The entrance tunnel stands out among the rest of the elements. It consists on an escalator enclosed in a golden-coloured metallic plate. It leads down to the floor level of the store. This tunnel/meteor surrounds and captures the client until he is released to the lower cave.
Description of the project by Chu Chih-Kang
Chu's initial proposal was centered around "The Secret Scripture Library". Scripture libraries have been found around either in or under Buddhist temples for centuries and have an extended meaning of stored wisdom in Mandarin Chinese. The team found significant historical connections to the site, such as links to Daci Temple and one of the most famous monks in Buddhism - Xuan Zhang of the Tang dynasty.
Chu envisioned a bookstore that embodied the essence of ancient scripture libraries, but he also wanted a space that spoke to the Sichuan people and their way of life. Sichuan people lead a slow-paced and relaxed lifestyle and they love to socialize. These spaces represent how central "Wo" (a nest, cove or home) and "Bai" (intentional placement or design) are to the Sichuan people.
For Chu, the written word represents the collection of shared knowledge and wisdom. With this foundation of our known world we explore the unknown future. To encourage the customers to join this journey of exploration, Chu has infused the space full of imagery of the vast cosmos, with designs of constellations and planetary diagrams.
Following the theme of the cosmos, the entry to this building is through a sculpture shaped like a meteor. This mysterious tunnel is intentionally designed to feel narrow and confined for those passing through. This near claustrophobic experience is then followed by the immediate release into the large open space where you feel the pressure immediately released. The journey through this meteor, this ark to knowledge, is designed to release tension and allow customers to enter the space with a relaxed frame of mind, open to discovery and enchantment.
CREDITS. DATA SHEET.-
Design.- Chu Chih-Kang (Chu Chih-Kang Space Design).
Participants.- Jia Lu, Li He, Li Liu-Zhen.
Collaborators.- Fangsuo Culture Development Co., Ltd.
Location.- Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
Dates.- from October 2013 to February 2015.
Area.- 5.508 sqm.
