Tianjin Zhongshuge’s Red Brick Renaissance

Blurring the boundaries between tradition and contemporaneity, this Tianjin Zhongshuge bookstore by X + Living reimagines red brick craftsmanship to create a cultural haven where architecture, light, and storytelling converge in a poetic narrative of knowledge and exploration.

Located in Tianjin’s historic Italian-style district, the Tianjin Zhongshuge bookstore is a 1,821 sq metre architectural marvel in red brick construction. Designed by Li Xiang, X+Living Architecture and Interior Design with Wu Feng as the technical director and Cui Zehuan as the project director, the space harmoniously integrates classical heritage and modern innovation.

Located in Tianjin’s historic Italian-style district, the Zhongshuge bookstore is surrounded by century-old red-brick Italian buildings. However, the project’s original modern site was out of sync with its classical surroundings. This challenge necessitated a design that seamlessly integrates architecture and interior elements while respecting the district’s cultural heritage.

A dialogue between tradition and modernity

Li Xiang, the chief designer, describes the Tianjin Zhongshuge bookstore as a space where boundaries dissolve—be it between architecture and interior design, or between commerce and culture. The design conveys that while physical boundaries might be ambiguous, the spiritual core remains resolute. The bookstore embodies a fusion of openness and accessibility, balancing profit-driven operations and public-oriented cultural sharing.  

“Boundaries,” says Li Xiang, “do not signify rigidity. Instead, they are filled with exploration and contention, leaving room for conflict and innovation.” This philosophy drives the project’s innovative approach to material use and design logic.  

Red brick, integral to Italian classical architecture, became the cornerstone of the design. Drawing from its dual cultural significance in both Italian and Chinese contexts, the material embodies a spirit of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. By embracing the simplicity and longevity of red brick, the project creates a dialogue between tradition and modernity, encouraging a slower, contemplative pace akin to reading itself.  

A Play of Light and Shadow  

The design takes inspiration from everyday blinds, reinterpreting their overlapping structure to introduce lightness and dynamism into the building’s red-brick façade.

Gaps disrupt the dense texture of traditional brickwork, creating an interplay of light and shadow that makes the space transparent and vibrant. This artistic intervention transforms the material from its usual heavy and rigid character into something fluid and ethereal.  

Minimalist Materials, Maximum Impact  

The project uses only two primary materials—red bricks and steel. This minimalist palette creates a harmonious contrast: the warmth of red bricks meets the industrial strength of steel. The materials are not merely structural but actively contribute to the spatial narrative, forming bookshelves, steps, and seating areas that flow organically within the space.

Stacked brick and layered steel plates reflect a high level of craftsmanship, with every element meticulously assembled to create a cohesive whole. The construction demanded precision; each brick and layer was carefully placed, emphasizing the deliberate, thoughtful approach to design.  

Reimagining Brickwork  

Zhongshuge’s innovative approach extends to rethinking brick shapes. Traditional rectangular bricks were eschewed in favor of custom-designed forms tailored to the bookstore’s aesthetic and functional needs. Each brick’s shape and size were meticulously crafted, with over 400,000 bricks used in total.  

For example, bookshelves required trapezoidal bricks of varying dimensions, each molded specifically for its location. This bespoke approach pushed manufacturers to adopt unconventional techniques, producing intricate forms that harmonise functionality with design intent.  

Steps Toward Knowledge  

The bookstore’s interior begins with ascending steps, symbolizing humanity’s relentless pursuit of truth. As visitors move upward, they transition into the heart of the bookstore, where steps merge into bookshelves—a metaphor for intellectual exploration.  

At the core of the building, a striking deep blue steel plate spans three levels. Its undulating form evokes waves, inspired by Tianjin’s port city heritage. This design element symbolises the dissemination of knowledge, much like the sea carries diverse ideas to new shores. Large arched doorways rise upwards further in this theme, creating an atmosphere of movement and growth.  

Innovative Use of Traditional Elements  

The bookstore’s design deconstructs Western classical architecture and reinterprets it through a modern, localised lens. The materiality and craftsmanship evoke a sense of timelessness while incorporating contemporary cutting and layering techniques.  The design’s success lies in its ability to remain deeply rooted in tradition while exploring new possibilities. For instance, brickwork is not just a structural element but a narrative tool, telling stories through patterns, forms, and textures.  

Each aspect of the design integrates form and function seamlessly. Bookshelves double as structural elements; steps guide movement while serving as seating or display areas. This fluidity ensures that diverse functions—exhibition, relaxation, or navigation—coexist without disrupting spatial harmony.  

A Metaphor for Cognition  

The design’s interplay of light, shadow, and materiality is a metaphor for human cognition. Just as the gaps in the brickwork allow light to pass through, the process of reading fills the gaps in our understanding. The project invites visitors to reflect on the impermanence of boundaries, both physical and intellectual.  

The creation of Tianjin Zhongshuge was a labour-intensive process involving countless simulations, validations, and adjustments. From conceptual sketches to 3D models, the design team worked closely with manufacturers and craftsmen, ensuring that every detail met the project’s ambitious vision.  

Tianjin Zhongshuge bookstore stands as a testament to the power of design to transcend boundaries. It redefines how materials like brick and steel can be used to create spaces that are not only functional but deeply poetic. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, the project bridges the gap between past and present, offering a space that inspires introspection, exploration, and growth. In doing so, it reaffirms architecture’s ability to shape not just physical spaces, but the intellectual and emotional landscapes of its visitors.