plural + totalstudio: alexis

‘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