Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Architect In Charge: Arthur Casas
  • Co Authors: Christiane Trolesi, Mônica Nickel, Marcela Muniz, Renata Adoni.
  • Collaborators: André Chung, Christiana Matos
  • Suppliers: Tresuno, Levantina, StantShop, Mr. Cryll, Montele, Atlas, Redsplay, Casa Fortaleza, Flex tintas
  • City: Rio de Janeiro
  • Country: Brazil
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Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas - Image 5 of 29
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

Text description provided by the architects. Saraiva Bookstore was conceived as a hybrid between a public square and a library, a place for conviviality, leisure, concentration and rest at the same time. Its architecture is simple and inviting, it aims to disappear behind the books to let the mind wander about their content. A 21st century space, books and new medias share the shelves, demanding a high level of layout flexibility. To organize this myriad of information without creating a monotonous store was as much a challenge as stimulating people to stay, read and interact in a cozy atmosphere.

Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas - Image 4 of 29
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

Located inside a mall in Rio, the store is divided into four floors. Visitors enter through a double height space, where shelves and showcases seem to float in order to highlight books and objects. Some shelves are suspended by rails so that the layout can accommodate different configurations. The ceramic floor was specifically developed for this store to be more reflexive and accentuate the lightning effect.  Brazilian-walnut was employed in every space; it is a warm neutral backdrop for the variety of colors and textures of books and objects.

Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas - Image 7 of 29
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

Showcases were designed so a book would not outstand others, inviting visitors to stroll around the diversity of titles. Platforms of different heights are occupied by objects that refer to varied themes. The shelves closer to the floor have such an inclination that their titles can be read by a standing person.

Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas - Image 11 of 29
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

Armchairs and ottomans are spread throughout the bookstore. Historical Brazilian design items, such as Paulistano Chair by Paulo Mendes da Rocha and Beg Armchair by Sérigio Rodrigues, invite readers to forget about time and enjoy their books.

Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas - Image 23 of 29
Floor Plan

Multimedia spaces, a café, an auditorium and the children’s space are located in the basement floors. Gray tones highlight the electronics contents and organic showcases serve as a support for interactive items.  In the children’s room neutrality is broken with a multicolored ramp that invites the kids to explore the titles rendering the space to their scale. Trapezoidal niches are a playful interpretation of the architectural vocabulary employed in the rest of the bookstore, creating a world apart for the youngsters.

Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas - Image 3 of 29
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

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Project location

Address:Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Saraiva Bookstore / Studio Arthur Casas" 06 Oct 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/553008/saraiva-bookstore-studio-arthur-casas> ISSN 0719-8884

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