OFFICE 214

This project was the winning proposal in a call for proposals for the new bookshop of Palais de Tokyo, together with the Cologne-based publisher Walther König and Parisian maison d’edition Cahiers d’Art. The new bookshop aimed to become an important part of the identity of the future Palais de Tokyo, while also being a strong character and destination in itself. Wooden bookshelf units of 2x4m, lacquered in a bright yellow colour, are simply inserted into the existing space. They are both the structure and the frame of the shop. In most areas, the shelves follow the outline of the existing room, while in others they allow themselves to be free, bending to create an impressive curved vitrine attracting guests to the shop. The bookshelves provide the possibility to flexibly attach additional elements such as perforated metal back walls, glass facades, sliding doors and curtains. In that way, they answer all the needs of a functional bookshop: displays, vitrines, storage, zoning, and security.