plural + totalstudio: alexis

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plural + totalstudio: alexis

Jan 14, 2012

first image
'alexis' by plural + totalstudio, bratislava, slovakia
all images courtesy total studio

'alexis', a bookshop and coffee bar in bratislava, slovakia has been conceived by slovakian practice plural and totalstudio to create
a flexible space which sells books as well as holding collateral events. the interior is comprised of a series of stepped platforms
which double as seating and parallels two continuous bookshelf walls. the auditorium arrangement is suitable for projections, readings,
small scale concerts, and workshops with the intention of creating a distinction between firmly established booksellers.

customers begin in the entry at ground level and gradually rise through the volume towards the elevated cafe and gallery. individuals choose
from the selection and then sit, read and relax next to the shelves. displayed upon mobile stands, new titles and best sellers are integrated
into the floor plan. permanent program elements such as the storage, deposit, office and restroom are placed below the stepped floor,
accessible from a staircase within the elevated cafe.

view from entrance

linear skylight illuminates reading area

stepped seating and continuous bookshelves creates convenient atmosphere for reading

walls are a continuous bookshelf

reading area and circulation is integrated

view towards entry

upper level cafe

additional books in cafe

stairs to storage area

four legged friend going to the storage area

sectional model

sectional model

model detail

construction

construction of platforms

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

axon

project info:

authors: martin jančok (plural), aleš šedivec (totalstudio)
graphic design: marcel benčík
client: ladon, s.r.o.
structural engineering: geostat
carpenter: treeman
total floor area: 170m²
photographs: šymon kliman, tomáš amtmann, martin jančok, aleš šedivec

lauren db

01.14.12

I am always surprised how in some countries one can sit down, relax and browse books in a bookshop. This might be natural to most of you but in my country this is not encouraged.

airborn says:

Jan 15, 2012

Reply
pretty nice

arc says:

Jan 15, 2012

Reply
Hoši, je to pekné. Koncept je naozaj fajn, jednoduchý, účelný, príjemný… . Musím sa tam konečne vybrať.

martindanak.com says:

Jan 15, 2012

Reply
I applaud the concept of this scheme for creating a landscape that is inviting. My only concern is that people will sit on the stepped part as well as the seating parts, thus blocking a potential climber. Also it is very difficult viewing books on steps – it would be very easy to lose one’s balance. Any feedback from the shop on this point?

sultony says:

Jan 16, 2012

Reply
I do enjoy the concept of the bookstore, however, I can imagine this being a nightmare for any disabled person.

Studge says:

Jan 17, 2012

Reply
Love this design, very inviting to one’s imagination, but I wholeheartedly agree with Studge, it is very biased against a disabled customer, I am not sure if this design would have been approved in America based on its lack of handicap access

william43 says:

Jan 21, 2012

Reply

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