Mengzi NSAU Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde by ZAO/Zhang Ke Architecture Office

The Mengzi NSAU Bookstore by ZAO/Zhang Ke Architecture Office is located in Mengzi, a border town in Yunnan Province, approximately 250 km southeast of Kunming. Mengzi has a rich historical legacy, and the bookstore occupies a site adjacent to Southlake, a cherished public park. Historically, this site was part of the National Southwest Associated University (NSAU) campus during WWII, which nurtured numerous scholars and remains a symbol of intellectual heritage in the region.

ZAO/Zhang Ke Architecture Office approached the project with a deep respect for the historical and cultural significance of the site. By preserving fragments of the original concrete taverns and the bell tower, and renovating the facades with gray bricks, the design honors the legacy of the NSAU campus while integrating a contemporary architectural language.

Architectural Concept and Form

The design is defined by a rolling serpentine loop that elegantly interacts with the site’s topography. The building rises from the lakeshore, ascends past the existing hall and bell tower, and descends back toward the lake through a large horizontal opening. This undulating form creates a dynamic spatial journey for visitors, connecting the urban context, the lake, and the historic elements of the site in a seamless, continuous experience.

The serpentine loop functions not only as a circulation path but also as a sculptural form that frames panoramic views of Mengzi. By integrating the slope of the land into the building, the design transforms the act of moving through the bookstore into an immersive experience that blurs the lines between architecture, landscape, and urban heritage.

Materiality and Sensory Experience

A notable feature of the project is the integration of rough concrete and natural wood, which flows continuously from exterior to interior. The tactile contrast between these materials offers a subtle, sensory engagement as visitors move through the space. Concrete conveys solidity and permanence, referencing the historic campus structures, while warm wooden surfaces provide a natural, inviting atmosphere for reading and socializing.

This material strategy enhances the connection between indoors and outdoors, creating spaces that feel both grounded and open. From the courtyard to the roof terrace, the use of consistent materials ensures a harmonious visual and tactile experience, while also reinforcing the bookstore’s contemporary yet contextually rooted identity.

Spatial Organization and Visitor Experience

The spatial layout is designed to provide a diverse and engaging experience. Upon entering the courtyard, visitors encounter an inviting ramp that guides them gradually to the roof terrace. This progression offers changing perspectives, from intimate, enclosed areas to expansive, open views, culminating in a panoramic lookout over the city. The sequence of spaces encourages exploration and discovery, allowing the bookstore to function not only as a place of reading but also as a cultural and social landmark.

Inside, the bookstore offers a variety of spaces, including reading areas, shelving for books, and gathering spots that blend seamlessly with the circulation path. The integration of wood, concrete, and natural light creates an environment that is simultaneously calming and stimulating, encouraging visitors to linger and engage with the surroundings.

Relationship with the Urban Landscape

ZAO/Zhang Ke Architecture Office carefully weaves the building into its urban and natural context. The serpentine form connects with the existing bell tower and halls, creating a dialogue between old and new. The horizontal openings and terraces offer visual connections to the lake and the surrounding urban landscape, reinforcing a sense of place and orientation within Mengzi.

The bookstore’s relationship to Southlake Park and the city emphasizes connectivity, making it not just a building but part of a larger cultural and recreational network. This approach ensures that the project contributes to the vitality of the area while maintaining respect for historical memory.

Sustainability and Adaptive Design

The design employs locally sourced materials and durable construction techniques, ensuring longevity while minimizing environmental impact. The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces reduces the need for mechanical climate control and encourages natural ventilation and daylighting. Additionally, the building’s adaptive layout accommodates future changes in use, allowing the bookstore to evolve alongside the community’s needs.

By combining historical preservation, thoughtful materiality, and innovative architectural form, the Mengzi NSAU Bookstore establishes itself as a contemporary cultural landmark that celebrates the site’s past while creating a dynamic space for the present and future. It exemplifies context-sensitive design, urban integration, and immersive visitor experience, making it a prominent example of modern architecture rooted in heritage.

Photography: Ziling Wang & Qingshan Wu