Nestled in Tianjin’s century-old Italian-style district, Tianjin Zhongshuge represents the harmony between classical heritage and contemporary creativity. Inspired by red bricks—an emblem of Italian architecture—the project embodies a cultural dialogue between China and Italy while honoring meticulous craftsmanship.
What makes this bookstore remarkable is the introduction of “gaps” within dense brickwork, reminiscent of light filtering through blinds, creating an interplay of void and solid, weight and lightness. Over 400,000 custom-made bricks, each with sculptural qualities, redefine the expressive potential of this familiar material.
Inside, ascending steps seamlessly transform into bookshelves, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the city’s continuous growth. The combination of red brick and deep blue steel not only provides structural strength but also tells a story of innovation within the urban fabric.
Zhongshuge stands as proof that minimalism and refined material application can create a distinctive architectural experience for contemporary interiors.
