ARCHITECTURE Bookstore
Today as never before it has become imperative that we give more thought to the spaces we occupy... and the media we consume.
One of the outstanding characteristics in this vital force for an organic third-space and evolving architecture (no pun intended) is the unity in design conception with gratifying versatility in execution. It represents at once an uninhibited, yet self-disciplined expression of imagination in spacial organization, fusion of form and use of materials. It's a sensitive interpretation of the human need for a “enjoyable research experience”.
The ARCHITECTURE bookstore at 8010 Melrose Ave is now open to the public. The Melrose storefront serves as an in-between space for it's companionship cafe Community Goods. It strives to be a proper application for a high-fidelity bookstore, it expresses both a physical and visual aesthetic that fosters a holistic sensory experience.
In an opposition to the cold, conventional layouts of traditional archival book stores the dual interiors within ARCHITECTURE are warm, dignified, and beautiful- a disarming directness and simplicity with remarkable adaptability. The space is proof that in the hands of designers with intention and skill, rooms become alive and personal for those who spend time in it. It is a stark contrast to traditional bookstores like Taschen. These spaces often times feel like a cold pretentious environment, usually displaying books with bespoke walnut shelving that often times kills my curiousity or urge for exploration.
KYLE MCKENZIE (KYLE): What were some of the implications of ARCHITECTURE that led to the design decisions?
PEDRO CAVALIERE (PEDRO): By design it was intended to create this comfortable space where people can interact with books that doesn’t feel pretentious... We didn’t open this be a profitable bookstore because, what bookstore is profitable? We want people to come and have a super welcoming experience, whilst looking at archival books. We have this awesome cafe across the street and we want to give back to the community. Especially in the age of digital consumption we need to give back in some form of physicality, which we've done by creating a space to support curiosity.
KYLE: What was the reason behind the choice of shelving? To me, it feels reminiscent of school bleachers.
PEDRO: It’s light. Because aluminum is so strong. When you extrude it, it becomes a lot thinner than traditional shelving. We also chose aluminum to contrast with the wood paneled walls. We didn’t want to make a space that felt like an homage to Hollywood. We wanted to make a space that exercised contemporary architecture. Opening ARCHITECTURE bookstore was also about designing around what’s in the pages of books.
Modern design is sensitive- responsive to changes in social habits and customs, and is a natural outgrowth of these changes. The ease and freedom found in the staff attire creates a casual and “open-space." The foundation is a form of providing value first, and placing sales last. The corresponding informality in seating arrangements, materials, and provision of surfaces on which to experience the curated selection of books allow for a flexibility unique to ARCHITECTURE.
The ARCHITECTURE store is an efficient chelation and rigidity of enclosure. integration of a calming home library within a third space. This discord between structure, street sounds, exterior, and interior furnishings are integrated throughtout both rooms by a careful articulation of spatial relations; economically utilizing only necessary furniture. It expresses structural forms by logical use of natural woods, steel finishing, aluminum trim, and a distinctive chrome marquee sign.
