Steps and Stacks, Part 2: 7 Bookcase Designs That Wrap You up in Reading and Play

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry — and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!

Part One of Steps and Stacks featured a collection including seven stunning projects that incorporate escalating bookshelves and home libraries. For each of the projects included in our first collection, “extensive conversation and dialogue between the architects and clients” went into forming uncommon and richly executed home designs. The allure of wrapping a reader into an interactive stepped environment did not stop there, as we discovered seven more projects that are similarly unified.

In Part 2, we continue to celebrate bookcases that act as enthralling visual centerpieces. However, broadening our scope, the following collection is not only limited to libraries within the home, but extends to include a public library and a corporate office space.

The following forms were motivated and inspired by a variety of sources. Within this collection, 29sqm and Apartment Renovation in Raval use stepped design to render greater efficiency and increase functional space. By using such structures, each project creates the enhanced feeling of multiple levels and private independent rooms. Further, Panorama House and Conarte Library use large, multi-functional structures in order to create intimate areas that are playful and interactive, engrossing the reader in an exciting experiential reality. The following projects go further than simply housing the stories that live inside the books — through provocative design, these stories are shared, cultivated and vibrantly brought to life.

29sqm by 3XA, by Wroclaw, Poland

The main goal for this tiny apartment was to create sufficient space and an independent bedroom. Since the ceiling could not allow for the creation of two separate levels, a semi-mezzanine was created in order to achieve this goal. To climb up into the new bedroom, the designer created a stepped bookshelf that maximizes space efficiency.

Panorama House by Moon Hoon, Ochang-eup, South Korea

Both lecturers in South Korea, the parents of Panorama House wanted to create a space where their children could learn, read and study. For this project, they chose playful and creative architecture firm Moon Hoon, and the firm created a multifunctional, large staircase that brings an active energy to the home.

Apartment Renovation in Ravalby Eva Cotman, Barcelona, Spain

For their apartment renovation in Raval, the clients wanted a redesigned interior that would give them more open space. Nestled against a white brick wall, this functional structure doubles as a staircase and bookcase.

Rosa and John’s Residence by Zminkowska De Boise Architects, London, United Kingdom

Ground floor alterations to this terraced Edwardian home created a newly continuous space that extends from the front living area, through a snug center and into the rear. Within “the snug,” steps became shelves and seating, and are now an appropriate place for family members to sit, read, chat, write, draw and play.

Osaka Officeby NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN, Osaka, Japan

At Osaka Office, the stepped, elevated layout takes advantage of the spectacular surrounding view and ceiling height. The open, flexible and interactive space provides an environment where employees can interact, work and create.

Apartment in Parisby SCHEMAA, Paris, France

The concept of this apartment is to structure the inner space by “functional stripes,” where each stripe defines a certain living entity. The “staircase stripe” starts on the floor and extends all along the wall and up to the ceiling, which creates a bookshelf and emphasizes the spatial relation between the two levels.

Conarte Libraryby Anagrama, Monterrey, Mexico

Conarte, the council for culture and art in the city of Monterrey, works to promote artistic expression and support the enrichment of culture. For this design, Anagrama sought to give value to the experience of reading and to create a space that completely wraps the reader in.

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry — and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!