The Dongguan Songshan Lake Zhongshuge Bookstore has been awarded the prestigious 2025 MUSE Design Award for Best Interior Design. This accolade, presented by the International Awards Associate (IAA), is often referred to as the "Oscars of the design world," celebrating exceptional innovation in global design.
Since its inception in 2015, the MUSE Design Awards have become one of the world's leading design competitions, encompassing various fields including architecture, interior design, product design, landscape, and lighting. The awards aim to inspire creativity and sustainability within the global design industry.
Located in the ULAND Cultural and Art District of Songshan Lake, the Zhongshuge Bookstore draws its design inspiration from the vibrant atmosphere of technological innovation and industrial environments characteristic of the area. Songshan Lake serves as a significant technology hub in Southern China, hosting the headquarters of major firms like Huawei and advanced research institutions, including the country's only pulsed neutron source.
The bookstore features a main reading area that creatively integrates abstract gear elements, connecting corridors with the central space to evoke a blend of industrial and magical aesthetics. The extensive use of wood softens the starkness of industrial design, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The building's unique petal-like shape rises from its base, culminating in a viewing platform that offers readers a distinctive perspective and experience.
In the children's reading area, design elements are inspired by the pulsed neutron source, utilizing innovative installations that balance aesthetics with functionality while dividing the space into two distinct zones. The bookstore's café adopts an industrial theme, with lighting, furniture, and large thematic installations creating a factory-like ambiance that provides a unique retreat for readers.
On April 26, the inaugural ULAND Bay Area Reading Carnival was held in the cultural district, where numerous publishers showcased thousands of books and creative products. Notable authors, including Hugo Award winner Hai Zhu, participated in live discussions, creating a cultural celebration that combined reading promotion, artistic experiences, and cultural exchange.
Reporter | Xie Maishi, Zheng Wenyi
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Wei Shen, James, Shen He
