HOME > PROJECTS > AMAZON BOOKSTORE

AMAZON BOOKSTORE

This interior architecture studio reimagined a new flagship Amazon Bookstore located on 10th Ave and Willamette St. in downtown Eugene. Although Amazon currently has existing bookstores, they do not provide a space that people feel comfortable to work and read in for longer periods of time. The client Amazon wanted to push the boundaries of technology and what a typical bookstore would be in the future. This flagship bookstore envisions a space that is able to hold more books, by providing only one copy of each book that will be ordered upon checkout. There is a dedicated portion along the stairs where Amazon lockers are integrated into the wall as a place for pick up for books not ordered to a specific address. This project would serve both local Eugene occupants, and University of Oregon students. The program is open to all students, not just a particular department or major of study. The intent is for the space to be a place for students and locals to explore interests outside of school and work - topics such as travel, personal growth + development, health and hobbies + crafts.

This renovation takes place on the first two levels of the historic Schaffer Building, with the opportunity for a double height space and mezzanine. The tenant improvement would only take up a four-bay corner of the building, with opportunity for further expansion in the future. One of the most challenging aspects of this project was how to reuse a historic building and still meet the needs of a very modern aesthetic and color scheme from the client. In the end, the historic building was something that intentionally contrasted the modern shell placed inside.

The concept is to provide a comfortable, playful experience of wandering through the bookstore. The curving forms allow the feeling of moving through the space and getting lost within the books aisles while still providing clear way-finding through color and signage. There are a variety of seating options available, including nooks within the bookshelves themselves, an open community couch, an enclosed corner seat, and lively cafe seating against the window. The central space is open to above seating and provides a space for speakers and events to take place. The small scale of this project allowed for further detailing of the bookshelves and built in seating, as well as all specifications of materials, furniture and lighting.