![Harbook store by Alberto Caiola](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/harbook-store-alberto-caiola-interiors-retail-china-hangzhou_dezeen_hero-1-852x479.jpg)
Hangzhou bookstore blends postmodern and classical elements
Giant geometric display stands intersect with imposing steel archways in this newly-opened book shop in Hangzhou, China designed by Alberto Caiola.
![Harbook store by Alberto Caiola](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/harbook-store-alberto-caiola-interiors-retail-china-hangzhou_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x569.jpg)
Called Harbook, the 600-square-metre shop alongside the West Lake was designed by Alberto Caiola to appeal to the young urban consumer.
Alongside books, Harbook incorporates other lifestyle elements such as a cafe, and a showroom for Danish contemporary furniture brand Normann Copenhagen, into the building.
"For centuries, the city – and its legendary West Lake in particular – has inspired writers, philosophers and poets," said the design team. "Harbook continues this legacy, expanding the city's literary culture to include nods to European traditions, yet with a progressive contemporary approach."
![Harbook store by Alberto Caiola](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/harbook-store-alberto-caiola-interiors-retail-china-hangzhou_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x569.jpg)
The store's contemporary-meets-traditional concept is reflected in the interior design, which the designers said was inspired by an "imaginary cityscape" theme.
A series of arches designed to evoke classical Italian porticos slice through the space while standalone display stands made up of intersecting geometric shapes are arranged like towering sculptures.
![Harbook store by Alberto Caiola](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/harbook-store-alberto-caiola-interiors-retail-china-hangzhou_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x569.jpg)
The geometric forms, and largely silver and pink colour palette mixed with accents of bright colour, lend the interior a postmodern edge that offsets the store's more classical elements.
"Thematically connecting Harbook's urban elements of socialising, cultural exchange, shopping and dining, these design elements create a quite literally immersive dialogue between eras and cultures, providing a sensual journey through the space," added the designers.
![Harbook store by Alberto Caiola](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/harbook-store-alberto-caiola-interiors-retail-china-hangzhou_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x569.jpg)
Although mostly open-plan, the different areas are clearly defined by the change in floor level and material.
Laid out over stepped shelving, the furniture display is backdropped in dark grey while a set of stairs lead to a raised cafe area decorated in dusky pink.
![Harbook store by Alberto Caiola](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/harbook-store-alberto-caiola-interiors-retail-china-hangzhou_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x569.jpg)
Overlooking the city's West Lake, the cafe features a floor made of traditional, locally-sourced Chinese bricks that pay homage to the bookshop's location. The architects said the cafe is intended as a "dream-like" space where customers can meet with friends, work, or read.
A gridded LED light installation, which stretches across the ceiling of the bookstore, serves as a focal point for the interior and, according to the designers, is also a metaphor for the enlightenment attained through reading.
![Harbook store by Alberto Caiola](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2018/09/harbook-store-alberto-caiola-interiors-retail-china-hangzhou_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x568.jpg)
Other retail projects that blend book shops with other lifestyle activities include Klein Dytham Architecture's sprawling "village" of shops in Bangkok, Thailand.
Photography is by Dirk Weiblen.