Spatial Design II （Assignment 1)

Ding Jiaqi/0379388

Games Studies 2/ Bachelor of interactive spatial design

Process：

After a week, I completed Part A of my PowerPoint. My lecturer reviewed the content and pointed out a few issues:

1. Incorrect information (the building does not use mortise-and-tenon structure).

2. The floor plan is too cluttered and difficult to interpret.

3. The title is inaccurate.

The lecturer suggested that I label the floor plan using numbered markers and list the corresponding locations below the image.

  The lecturer gave me a few suggestions:

1. Only the title should be in bold font (but I used bold in the body text as well).

2. The chairs in Part A should be changed to a cute style.

3. The ceiling design in Part A needs to be added.

We've kicked off the first assignment of this semester, centered on analyzing interactive elements in stores. The task is split into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A involves online research, primarily using internet resources to explore stores' interactive designs. Meanwhile, Part B focuses on conducting on-site observations and analyses of local physical stores.

Here are the requirements:

Part A(Jiangnan Publishing House)

Based on the information provided by the teacher in class, I understand that we need to select a commercial store that promotes ecological environmental protection concepts, has a large space, and can provide electronic design drawings, with Part A and Part B being of the same type. This made me think of a bookstore in a shopping mall near my home, and then I found the Jiangnan Bookstore that meets the requirements through online research.

"Jiangnan Bookstore · The Eye of Liucheng," located by Yuanxiang Lake in Jiading, covers a total construction area of nearly 1,300 square meters, expanding to 1,900 square meters when including the adjacent waterside platform. Designed by Ling Xiaoyu, the space follows the concept of "Roaming Jiangnan, Reading Jiading," skillfully blending Chinese architectural vocabulary into a stepped, staggered-floor layout that creates a theater-like visual experience. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of Yuanxiang Lake, transforming the sparkling water into a living scroll of misty landscape art. The middle view features the waterside platform and the specially constructed Jinchi pond, where koi fish glide through swaying aquatic plants, enriching the scenery with dynamic beauty. In the foreground, a circular bookshelf surrounds a central green tree and coffee bar, integrating books into the natural environment with layered depth, echoing the expressive brushwork of traditional Chinese design. Traditional mortise-tenon joints are used for the interior columns, while the ceiling features the intangible cultural heritage craft of Malu bamboo weaving. Elements such as Taihu stones, bluestone springs, calamus, and crape myrtle come together to evoke the poetic imagery of “floating goblets along winding waterways.” Sustainability is also at the heart of the design: a circular skylight fills the atrium with natural light, reducing energy consumption and creating a tranquil, shifting play of sunlight throughout the day. Full-height windows enhance the connection between indoors and nature, improving daylighting and ventilation. The use of permeable surfaces and native vegetation supports passive and biophilic design principles—reducing the urban heat island effect, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting both environmental responsibility and mental well-being.

I have chosen Jiangnan Bookstore as the content for Part A. I think my main difficulty was the lack of a floor plan for this library, so I drew the floor plan of the bookstore by finding all the pictures on websites and Xiaohongshu (Red). I also created the PPT content based on online materials.

I found that the most challenging aspect was understanding how technology is integrated into the library. Most of the information available online mainly focuses on the interior design and spatial aesthetics, with very few posts discussing the technological features. Eventually, I came across an article on its official account on a smaller social media platform, which provided some insight into this area.

Part B （TSUTAYA BOOKS）

Tsutaya Books is a Japanese lifestyle bookstore chain founded in 1993 under the culture media group Tsutaya. It goes beyond being a traditional bookstore by creating a comfortable and culturally rich space that caters to customers’ passion for reading, art, and lifestyle aesthetics. With a focus on curated books, diverse lifestyle products, and an in-store café, Tsutaya Books emphasizes the experience beyond reading, attracting a wide audience of culture and design enthusiasts.

In recent years, Tsutaya Books has embraced digital transformation and sustainability, striving to promote cultural value while fulfilling social responsibility.

Store Design and Spatial Layout

Upon entering a Tsutaya Books store, visitors immediately feel the warm and artistic atmosphere created by soft wooden tones, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and cozy seating areas. The overall design uses warm lighting to enhance the spatial layers and create a welcoming environment that encourages longer visits and relaxed reading.

To capture the store’s spatial layout and design details accurately, I took about 30 high-quality photos during my visit for use in presentations and analysis. Additionally, I measured the store’s overall dimensions and key functional areas to ensure data-driven spatial analysis and renovation proposals.

Diverse Interactive Areas

The store integrates a variety of interactive zones to enrich the customer experience:

Curated Reading Area: Books are organized by theme for easy browsing based on interests.

Lifestyle Products Section: Displays carefully selected stationery, home goods, and design items reflecting the brand’s aesthetic.

Coffie Lounge: Comfortable seating paired with a coffee bar offers visitors a space to relax while enjoying a drink and reading.

Event Space: Hosts regular talks, book clubs, and art exhibitions to foster community engagement and cultural vibrancy.

Floor Plan Overview

Based on on-site measurements, I created a detailed floor plan that accurately reflects the spatial organization:

Cashier Counter: The checkout area strategically positioned for convenient customer flow and service.

Children’s Reading Area: A dedicated, cozy zone designed to engage young readers with age-appropriate books and seating.

Leisure Area: Comfortable spaces for customers to relax, read, and socialize within the store.

Coffie：offee and beverage bar accompanied by ample seating, creating a warm and inviting spot for refreshment and reading.

Lifestyle Goods & Stationery: Shelves and displays showcasing curated lifestyle products, design stationery, and unique accessories that complement the store’s cultural vibe.

Lighting and Atmosphere

The store uses predominantly warm-toned lighting, combining recessed spotlights and pendant lamps to softly illuminate the entire space. Custom-designed pendant lamps above the reading zones provide even, non-glaring light that creates an inviting environment and enhances the overall quality of the space.

Technology Integration

Tsutaya Books integrates advanced technology throughout its store and online platforms to enrich customer experience. Interactive kiosks help visitors search for books and discover recommendations, while seamless connectivity between the online store and physical locations allows convenient ordering and pickup. By leveraging digital tools and data analytics, Tsutaya Books enhances personalized service and creates a modern, efficient shopping environment that blends tradition with innovation.

This integrated online and offline marketing approach not only expands brand influence but also sets an innovative benchmark for cultural bookstores—offering valuable inspiration for future entrepreneurs.

Canva Link：https://www.canva.cn/design/DAGmOobxfeo/r3tggwqtMcL_WrZxJcWSaA/edit?utm_content=DAGmOobxfeo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton