The Jetlag Books Friendship Store in Beijing is a fascinating example of how architecture can pay homage to the past while still being relevant in the present. This new bookshop, designed by Studio NOR, is a thoughtful nod to the historical context of its site, which was once a Soviet-style supply store built in 1972. The design team, led by founder Li Guanru and editor Lian Ziqiang, has created a space that is both a tribute to the past and a forward-thinking addition to the city's cultural landscape.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the design is the way it blends the old and the new. The building's facade and volumes are inspired by the Soviet-style of the Friendship Store, with rough plastered facades and large steel overhangs framing the openings. This creates a sense of continuity and unity between the two buildings, while also highlighting their distinct differences. The design neither preserves every trace of decay as a time capsule, nor does it ignore the past in pursuit of disruptive innovation. Instead, it strikes a balance between the two, blending past stories into the present daily life.
The bookshop itself is organized on an L-shaped plan that combines a service building from the 1970s and a steel-structured building added in the 2010s. The existing steel structure is reimagined as a 'frontier' or 'display window' at the store's front, adorned with matching steel signage. The single-storey volume is framed by a street-facing plaza, providing outdoor seating for visitors. The studio also created a new facade defined by thick walls, deep-set windows, overhanging eaves, and high parapets, which reinterpret the neighbouring building.
Inside, the bookshop is arranged around an 8.5-metre-long bar that stitches together a book display area and a multi-functional area. The display area features modular stainless steel bookshelves showcasing Jetlag Books' travel-themed collection, set off by glazed wall tiles and matt-black flooring. The central bar area, described as the most visually dynamic space in the bookstore, is wrapped in dark green and brown tiles and features a deep skylight that draws daylight into the space. Steps added to either side of the counter account for differences in floor level across the site, while also distinguishing the bookstore's spaces.
The multi-functional area at the northern end of the bookshop serves as a seating area for the cafe and can be used for exhibitions, events, and pop-up activities. Suspended ceilings expose the building's steel and concrete roofs, which are paired with grey-toned concrete walls and terrazzo floors to echo the neighbouring Friendship Store. The design team also included Boyuan Jiang, Jingwen Wang, Shuo Yang, Jin Gan, Yichen Jin, and Chenxiao Yan.
What makes this project particularly fascinating is the way it connects the past and present, both architecturally and conceptually. The design team's approach to preserving the historical context of the site while still creating a modern and functional space is a testament to their skill and creativity. The Jetlag Books Friendship Store is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, design, and the intersection of history and contemporary culture in Beijing.
