weaved bamboo installation by infinity mind extends within bookstore in shanghai

breaking away from the traditional concept of a bookshop, infinity mind blends publishing, art & exhibition within the ‘arts bridge space’ store in shanghai. the project serves as an interaction space between readers and creators, fusing art and daily routine to create a comprehensive lifestyle space. the interior is decorated with a ‘virtual landscape’ of the natural bamboo installation creating a dialogue between space and time and extending its visual boundaries. all images courtesy of li quan, zhong zhuchu

through the Y-shape-layering, infinity mind seeks to describe the process of coming from nature, mimicking nature, and returning to it. the Y character is interspersed to create a visual space that is superimposed on each other. this technique builds a visual space combining multiple structures that extend to the ginkgo tree in the center of the area.

the traditional weaved bamboo installation extends from the outside through to the ceiling of the interior following the building’s form. this construction takes shape as soft arcs, like interwoven stalks of golden wheat and with an overall sense of flow, adding to the space both identity and flexibility. the natural simplicity of this traditional folk art stands in sharp contrast to the bookshop building’s postmodern style.

the main focus of ‘the arts bridge space,’ as an offline physical site, is to explore space’s possible boundaries. this search includes the coexistence and relationship between the dichotomies of tradition and modernity and the agricultural and industrial civilization. based on the idea of a bridge, this space is a means to overcome obstacles and a platform on which the above can be connected.

‘when we examine tradition and new exploration, while maintaining a sensitivity towards space, material, life and culture, we find works of art and design with that have both affinity and vitality,’ says infinity mind.

xu gang, the founder of the product design brand bentu in 2011, designed the recycled concrete tables, chairs, and shelves in the space. he re-examined, developed and innovated upon this common construction material, integrating recycled concrete into different fibres to create a material similar to fair-faced concrete. the interior of ‘the arts bridge space’ brings together a collection of seemingly unrelated artworks covering traditional handicrafts, art installations, and recycled industrial waste. yet, together they still create a systematic space that is simultaneously hard and soft.

project info:

name: the arts bridge space

architect: infinity mind

location: hongkou district, shanghai, china

building area: 450 sqm

construction team: shanghai hongzhu decoration engineering co., LTD 

bamboo weaving device: LIU qianxing team ‘Y’

bracket device: YANG mingjie

furniture design: bentu, buzao

original text: huang song, wang na

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.