1,500 SQM, BUILT 2009
COLOUR CODED_ MOD's first bookstore is located in ION Orchard, Singapore's premier new mall. We sought to re-define common issues in bookstores, redefining way-finding with new canopies and signage at ceiling height that branched off from a sinuous central SPINE. A sculptural stair linking the two floors becomes a spatial art feature, leading from books to stationery on the 2nd floor.
The entry zone has been defamiliarised by the creation of an installation art display starring a Godzilla-inspired creature unpacking books amongst towering piles of cardboard boxes which evolve into a cityscape of books as the customer enters the store.
Way-finding is prioritised with the colour-coded central spine that organises all the secondary zones and spaces. Curving sinuously through the black backdrop of the shop, the spine begins at the entry window display, continuing through the core of the space and culminating at the cafe and sculptural stairway leading to the store's stationery section.
"Our goal to "question, disturb and redefine" the conventional bookstore experienced led to the discovery of some key issues which commonly plague a majority of bookstores. Most significantly, the lack of clear spatial hierarchy together with the poor visual zoning for distinct book categories made it confusing to navigate through a bookstore or to locate the book you wanted. Another issue that baffled us was how bland and static most bookstore window displays were, seemingly decades behind fashion retails standards."
1. Finalist, Best Retail, 2010 at Interior Design, New York Best of Year Awards, USA
2. Honorable Mention, Commercial, 2010 at International Design Awards, USA
