Saraiva bookstore in São Paolo hides right inside a kids book den, custom-made by the well known architect Arthur Casas. While the main bookstore evolves into a very traditionally clear and linear structure, the children’s section was conceived as a space on its own, or rather an imaginative conceptualization of Saraiva’s larger area.
Actually, the layout reconfigures the standout elements of the main area obliquely altering the linear shelves’ design and by enhancing the use of colours, which are present elsewhere despite less distinctly. Talking about colours ones could state a certain paradox, as the only out-and-out one is the rainbow pathway – half ramp half platform, which guides and embrace kids when entering the room.
Arthur Casas aimed to create a vibrant and lively space, but not an overwhelming one, thus the decision of playing with the combination of vibrant colours and light shadows for the wood alcoves. The alcoves, indeed, act the main role of creating a peculiar effect with their trick of the light and their pattern of randomness. The irregular and oblique disposition gives a floating effect, ensuring movement and liveliness and capturing the attention of the little ones.
The final effect of this magic space made for kids is the ability to let them wander in the wonderland of their imagination.
June 23, 2014
British Higher School of Art and Design
Pforzheim University
Scuola Politecnica di Design
Beckmans College of Design
LOFT 42
World Architecture Festival
