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BOOKSTORE SELEXYZ DOMINICANEN DESIGN BY MERKX & GIROD ARCHITECTS
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BOOKSTORE
SELEXYZ DOMINICANEN DESIGN BY MERKX & GIROD ARCHITECTS
In
Maastricht, the location demanded a completely different approach; the
development of 1.200 m2 shopping space in an available area of 750 m2 floor
space. The client’s original idea was to bridge the area, however the
architects rejected this idea as it would disprove the architectural quality of
the church’ space. Instead, they wanted to emphasize the building’s height and
exceptional architecture.
The solution
is a multi-level, monumental, black, walk-in bookcase situated asymmetrically
in the church. In this way the left hand side of the church retains the
complete height whilst on the right, visitors are directed to the upper levels
of this steel ‘book-flat’. Climbing the bookcase has been made fun: visitors
walk between the books and once they reach the upper level, they are able to
experience the colossal dimensions of the church and view the historical murals
from close-by.
The bookcase
is a grand gesture, a statement that matches the monumental dimensions of the
church and gives the an extra dimension. Due to the passage ways, perspectives
and the use of perforated steel, the flat appears to be light and transparent
in spite of its size. The object neither imposes on the space nor clashes with
the church’s architecture; it enhances its experience.
The project
won the 2007 Lensvelt de Architect interior design award and was recently
announced ‘probably the most beautiful bookstore in the world’ by the Guardian.
Location
: Former Dominicaner Kerk Maastricht
Project team
: Evelyne Merkx, Patrice Girod, Bert de Munnik, Abbie Steinhauser, Josje
Kuiper, Pim Houben, Ramon Wijsman, Ruben Bus
Restauration
Architect : Satijnplus Architecten
Photography
: Roos Aldershoff
Sometimes I wish to feel warmth of small bookshop to stay.
Sometimes I wish to feel hedonist idea of lost in big bookshop between all the
books and shelves in the historical place with high ceiling and music of
Jacqueline Du Pre Elgar Cello Concerto. You may sit very comfortable sofa
with your selection of books to check inside and explore new world. You could
lost in the book. Winter time perfect to stay in coffee shop to read your
selection of book with aromatic earl gray tea with vanilin cookie or chocolate
with your cofee.
MERKX + GIROD
ARCHITECTS
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Merkx+Girod’s work is characterized by their analytical approach to
the design project combined with a passion for detail, materials, colour,
cohesion, quality, and elegance. Quality and respect for quality go hand in
hand. Interventions with, for example, a monumental building can only be
successful if the architect acknowledges, recognizes and respects its original
qualities. The added value of Merkx+Girod architects can be found in the
special cohesion between architecture and interior, right from the project’s
start.
Merkx+Girod designs interiors for privately owned buildings as well
as complete strategies for large and complex interiors of public buildings,
whereby both the logistic and functional requirements are integrated in a
spatial vision. Since our foundation, we have worked on projects in the field
of architecture, interior design, retail and product development, consultancy,
exhibitions and renovation. Projects include restaurants, shops, department
stores, private residences, museums, offices and public buildings.
