Reading Mi, Shenzhen

Background
“Reading Mi覔” was established in 1991 in China and now a highly regarded chain bookstore brand. As a unique cultural space, each bookstore is not merely a place for selling books; rather, it offers customers a rich experience through thoughtfully designed multifunctional areas. It targets at middle-class customers and is dedicated to creating a warm and culturally vibrant environment for families.

Concept
The brand name "Mi覔" is inspired by an ancient Chinese term meaning "exploration and seeking." In the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, "Mi" embodies wisdom and carries profound philosophical significance regarding life. It suggests that within blank spaces and the unseen, we often discover the most authentic existence, harbouring deep tranquillity at the heart of the brand identity.
The latest store, located in a new shopping mall in Shenzhen, China, aims to create a tranquil haven amid the bustling environment. Embracing the design philosophy of "Exploring the Garden of Knowledge," the bookstore employs a biophilic design approach. This blends colour and light with natural elements to craft a serene experience.

The retail space is meticulously designed to offer varying degrees of openness and privacy, allowing customers to find their spiritual refuge. The layout is both flexible and dynamic, featuring open areas for socializing alongside cozy corners perfect for solitary reflection, catering to the diverse needs of our visitors.
Our design team is committed to creating an inspiring, sensory-rich environment that provides therapeutic benefits for the soul, reinforcing the irreplaceable value of physical bookstores in the digital age. This bookstore transcends mere book sales; it offers an immersive space where visitors can explore, read, learn, and relax. Whether savouring a book in solitude or engaging in cultural activities, customers experience the nourishment of knowledge and the tranquillity of the soul, truly embodying the brand's mission of "exploration and seeking."

Design
Book Zone
The book zone marks the beginning of a journey for customers to purify their souls, offering a dedicated space for contemplation. The dark brown environment gradually soothes the mood, suggesting that an inner exploration is about to unfold. The spine-shaped wooden slats on the ceiling serve as a visual cue, enhancing the area’s thematic coherence. This color scheme infuses each section with a sensuous ambiance, allowing customers to feel relaxed and at ease while browsing the books.
Entering this bookstore is not merely a transaction; it’s an invitation to embark on a journey of self-exploration. Every design detail reflects a commitment to enhancing the customer experience, creating an atmosphere that encourages people to linger, reflect, and enjoy. Whether they are first-time visitors or familiar friends, everyone can discover their own moment of tranquility and contemplation within this space.

Retail Zone
The semicircular ceiling area defines a versatile retail zone for gifts, stationery, toys, and school uniforms, fostering a vibrant environment that showcases a diverse product range. The wall display system enhances product visibility while providing a user-friendly experience through bespoke lighting and graphics, allowing customers to browse in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
Different product categories are arranged in semi-open rectangular chambers, each featuring a semicircular ceiling that evokes the imagery of “gift boxes.” This innovative design replaces traditional signage and wayfinding systems, creating a seamless and engaging shopping experience.

Kids and Event Zone
The flower-shaped kids' and event zone offers families an imaginative space for reading and activities, transforming it into a paradise for children to explore knowledge and creativity. The design aims to stimulate curiosity and inspiration, allowing each child to discover their own joy in this vibrant environment.
In this playful space, a multifunctional mini theater provides a platform for interactive engagement, supporting storytelling and dramatic performances. This area extends beyond reading; it becomes a stage for children to express themselves. Parents are invited to join their kids in narrating stories or enjoying their performances, fostering deeper interaction and communication between parents and children.

Café Zone
The nature-inspired experience continues in the café zone, a tranquil area offering customers a sense of “light therapy.” Under the large curved ceiling, adorned with bespoke floral pattern openings for spotlight penetration, patrons feel immersed in a forest of light and shadow. The surrounding bookshelves not only house a wealth of books but also symbolize the nourishment and growth of knowledge, inviting customers to pause for a closer read while enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
This cozy ambiance creates an ideal setting for relaxation, with full-height glazing allowing sunlight to flood in. This comfortable environment enables customers to savor the “slow time” that shifts with the day and night. Those in the outdoor seating area become a unique part of the scenery, their silhouettes blending with books, coffee, and natural light, forming a vibrant tapestry of life.

Conclusion
The bookstore stands as a testament to the soul of the city, serving as a sanctuary for cultural growth. This metaphor-rich space delves deeply into the relationship between place, literature, and the human spirit, transforming into a refuge for the soul.
It ignites a passion for learning while encouraging reflection and interaction. Beyond offering a wealth of reading resources, the bookstore provides a haven for stress relief, allowing individuals to find tranquility amidst the chaos and savor moments of peace. This calming experience enhances mental well-being and promotes both physical and emotional healing.