NORDIC BOOKS

Situated in a historic building on the iconic banks of Ningbo’s Yongjiang River, Nordic Books is a newly conceived experiential retail destination, dedicated to showcasing Nordic design, publications, and lifestyle.

The programming of Nordic Books is separated by the different floors but comes together to form a cohesive and immersive visiting experience.

Upon entering Nordic Books, visitors are first welcomed by the Feitan Dessert Bar on the first floor, which features a contrasting material palette of muted lime green micro-cement against the more modern and dramatic blackened steel. The bar itself is hooded by a cascade of greenery, emphasising the blurring of boundaries created by the indoor-outdoor window seats. Towards the back of the space, a sculptural staircase sweeps through the four-floor building. The second floor features an open gallery space and showroom, decked fully in a dark chocolate oak parquet and softly coloured micro-cement walls. The space is kept neutral and inviting while punctuated by the organic textures in the exposed brick wall and natural granite display volumes. The third floor is comprised of a retail space, furnished with a range of sculptural display structures.

Apart from the main open retail area this floor also features two focus sections to display individual collections. The first section is clad in full dark charcoal, with blackened steel shelves. The second section rises in the centre of the room as an enclosed rotunda with a contrasting clay-coloured interior. On the top floor sits the versatile event and co-working space where workshops, lectures and other cultural events often take place. This floor is defined by the subdued mint green hue of the ceiling and walls, combined with a floor-toceiling wall of windows that bask the space in natural light.