01 Project Overview
This project is situated at the intersection of Bohai Road and Yanshan Road in Renqiu City, Cangzhou, Hebei Province. Renqiu lies in the central region of Hebei Province, within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic circle, forming part of the economic open belt surrounding Beijing, Tianjin, and the Bohai Sea.
The building comprises 24 floors: floors 1 to 5 serve commercial purposes; floors 6 to 18 are designated as hotel space; and floors 18 to 24 are allocated for offices and group headquarters. While the hotel enjoys good occupancy and operation, the commercial spaces have underperformed.
During initial discussions, the owners were uncertain about how to renovate and utilize the commercial areas effectively. However, they were determined to make comprehensive adjustments to revitalize the entire space and present a refreshed image to the market. After several consultations, we analyzed the existing business models, decided to remove underperforming floors and formats, and introduced new commercial concepts. We recommended preserving and slightly modifying the well-managed catering and other business formats to minimize investment and control costs while enabling transformative changes.
△ Project Location
△ Project Exterior
02 Reintegrating Commercial Formats and Circulation
Upon my first visit, the commercial space appeared somewhat disorganized, yet I was captivated by the interior spatial qualities—especially the high-ceilinged atrium, which offered vast creative potential. We decided to center our design strategy around several courtyards to maximize this potential.
△ Space Condition Before Renovation
From a commercial layout perspective, we planned to incorporate a bookstore within two skylight courtyards, connecting the first and second floors via staircases to create a vertical spatial flow that engages visitors and enriches their experience. We also reorganized the mall’s circulation to improve accessibility and purposefulness.
The second floor, originally a children’s area, was reorganized and upgraded while preserving its entertainment function. The third and fourth floors retained the well-managed dining spaces, and the fifth floor continued as a banquet hall. However, since there was no direct staircase between the fourth and fifth floors, access required using a fire escape, which caused congestion during events. To address this, we designed an aerial staircase over the atrium, enhancing vertical circulation while adding sculptural layers to the space.
△ Spatial Axonometric Diagram
△ Spatial Profile © y.ad studio
△ Spatial Profile © y.ad studio
03 Bookstore as a Gateway to Spiritual and Cultural Space
Initially, the idea of placing a bookstore in the atrium as the central element of the commercial space sparked debate. Concerns were raised about bookstores’ profitability and operational risks. However, our team believes bookstores should be valued beyond profit—they embody spiritual and cultural significance and can serve as enduring community landmarks, creating lasting memories for city residents.
From a business standpoint, the bookstore helps introduce and support new retail formats, enriching the shopping mall’s atmosphere and cultural relevance. Given that the property is owner-occupied, its value should be assessed holistically, balancing profitability with the overall commercial layout. Still, we agreed with the owners that spatial allocation and funding require prudent control.
After several discussions, the owners agreed to locate the bookstore within two skylight courtyards. Surrounding the bookstore on the first floor, we integrated the hotel lobby bar, coffee shop, children’s reading area, multifunctional exhibition space, and contemporary Chinese dining designed to attract younger consumers.
Because the atrium and walkway were originally open, and the bookstore required a quiet environment, we separated the spaces using a translucent polycarbonate panel curtain wall to prevent interference. To avoid a closed or monotonous feel, this enclosure was designed with a perforated aluminum panel ceiling above the atrium that filters sunlight, enhancing the space with dynamic light and shadow.
△ Design Analysis © y.ad studio
△ Spatial Profile © y.ad studio
△ Spatial Profile © y.ad studio
△ Spatial Profile © y.ad studio
△ Renovated Bookstore Entrance © y.ad studio
△ Renovated Bookstore Lobby © y.ad studio
△ Renovated Lobby Bar © y.ad studio
△ Bookstore Interior After Renovation © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
△ Light and Shadow in the Bookstore Atrium © y.ad studio
△ Reading Ladder © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
△ Reading Ladder © Peter Dixie (UK)/Photo by Luo Tang Architecture
△ Reading Ladder © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
Looking up at the courtyard © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
Looking up at the courtyard © y.ad studio
△ Courtyard and Glass Corridor © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
△ Glass Corridor © y.ad studio
The Reading Box within the Reading Ladder © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
The Reading Box within the Reading Ladder © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
△ Stacked Bookstore Area with Staircases © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
△ Cultural and Creative Product Sales Area © y.ad studio
△ Bookcase Gap © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
Platform beneath the Book Tower © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
Looking up at the Book Tower © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
Staircase beneath the Book Tower © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
△ Bookstore Reading Area © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
△ Bookstore Reading Area © Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architectural Photography
Multi-functional event space hosting press conferences, book signings, art exhibitions, and more © y.ad studio
△ Multi-functional Activity Hall © y.ad studio
△ View Above the Multi-functional Activity Hall © y.ad studio
△ Bookcase Frame Scenery © y.ad studio
04 Transformation Results
The design and construction process spanned approximately five months, culminating in the reopening of the entire mall space. The bookstore, as the mall’s centerpiece, has become beloved by both city and community residents. The functional layout supports various events such as signings, exhibitions, and press conferences.
This revitalization attracted new and younger consumer groups, boosting patronage for complementary formats like dining and coffee shops.
△ Reading Ladder Space in Operation © y.ad studio
△ Children’s Book Area in Operation © y.ad studio
△ Current Scene After Renovation © y.ad studio
05 Design Drawings
△ First Floor Plan © y.ad studio
△ Second Floor Plan © y.ad studio
△ Third Floor Plan © y.ad studio
△ Fourth Floor Plan © y.ad studio
△ Sectional Elevation View © y.ad studio
Project Information
Project Address: Intersection of Bohai Road and Yanshan Road, Renqiu City, Hebei Province, China
Developer: Renqiu Yuanping Meijing Commercial Plaza Co., Ltd.
Project Area: 7,410 square meters
Design Team: y.ad studio | Shanghai Yan Yang Architectural Design Studio (www.sh-yad.com)
Project Team Members: Yan Yang, He Maofeng, Yan Yu, Tian Zhonglin, Zheng Chuang
Structural Engineer: Huo Zhenzhong
Main Materials: Cement bricks (Rio Grande), Oak veneer panels, Polycarbonate panels (Jena Board), Latex paint (Nippon Paint)
Design Period: September 2018 – October 2018
Construction Period: December 2018 – March 2019
Photography: Peter Dixie (UK)/Luotang Architecture Photography and y.ad studio
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