The Liberia bookstore in London is an enchanting space that takes small bookshop charm to new levels. Designed by architect José Selgas and Lucía Cano, the space takes its inspiration from Argentinian writer Jorge Louis Borges' short story, 'The Library of Babel,' a 1940s-era imagination a library containing infinite knowledge in an unimaginable number of books.
The Liberia bookstore has a strict no-phone policy and boasts an seemingly endless array of hexagonal wooden shelves made from recycled materials. In order to "recreate the sense of boundlessness" inspired by Borges' infamous tale, the SelgasCano team used a number of mirrors and irregular shapes to create a space that seems to never end.
José Selgas and Lucía Cano are the team behind 2015's colorful Serpentine Gallery Pavillion.
Enchanting Literary Bookshops
London's Liberia Bookstore is Inspired by a Borges Short Story
Trend Themes
1. Enchanting Bookstore Design - Designing bookshops that create a unique and magical experience for book lovers can set bookstores apart from competitors and create a memorable shopping experience.
2. Anti-tech Policy - Adopting policies that limit or eliminate the use of technology in bookshops creates an atmosphere that encourages face-to-face communication and emphasizes the value of physical books over digital media.
3. Sustainable Materials - Using sustainable materials, such as recycled materials, to build the physical spaces of bookshops can create an eco-friendly image and attract environmentally-conscious consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Design - Design agencies can capitalize on the trend of enchanting bookstore design by offering unique and creative design solutions tailored to individual bookstores and their unique target markets.
2. Publishing - Publishers can leverage the anti-tech policy trend to promote physical books and create marketing campaigns that emphasize the benefits of reading print books over digital media.
3. Sustainable Architecture - Architecture firms can capitalize on the trend of using sustainable materials to build bookstores by offering eco-friendly building solutions that use recycled or sustainable materials and prioritize energy efficiency.