The Future Bookstore project is situated in Guli, Changshu, an ancient town in Jiangsu Province. This project creates a dialogue between tradition and the future, using architecture as the key to unlocking this conversation. The Future Bookstore aims to introduce a less conventional function within a traditional context by regularly showcasing a curated selection of books.
▲ Plan view
The Future Bookstore (BIM Work) is tucked away in a residential area of Shuizhen. Its neighbor is the 200-year-old Tieqin and Tongjian Building, one of the four major private libraries from the Qing Dynasty. This unique location seamlessly blends faint spatial memories—the southern city, old houses, and childhood experiences in Qin Zhuangyuan Lane—which became the main inspirations for the design. Rather than inventing something entirely new, the design is rooted in these existing experiences.
Beneath the old eaves lies a hidden ‘new roof.’ Both share a similar formal logic—ridges, inner and outer eaves, and clear double-sloped volumes. Yet this new roof abandons obvious geometric rules, presenting a completely unfamiliar form. Its smooth curves harmonize with the river just outside the window, with eaves that rise and fall, sometimes inviting, sometimes serving as a barrier.
▲ Conceptual evolution
▲ Concept Display
Architecture forms the core of Mur Mur Lab’s vision, wrapping around the dynamic functional heart of the Future Bookstore. The design incorporates an additional layer beneath the traditional eaves, drawing inspiration from historic sloped roofs. This layering acts as a backdrop, blending past and present into a rich spatial experience. Within this space, visitors are free to roam. The future remains unknown, but Mur Mur invites you to step into this new season of dreams through every adventurous project.
Project Information
Design Company: Mur Mur Lab
Location: Guli, Changshu, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
Category: Store
Lead Architects: Xia Murong, Li Zhi
Design Team: Li Xinliang, Gao Hanzhi, Mao Hongyu, Yang Mei
Client: First Encounter Future Bookstore
Building Area: 80.0 m²
Project Year: 2019
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