Ferrying
Ferrying is a compound bookstore set on two floors and covering 1500 square meters. The layout follows the logic of a traditional water town block, where a river connects areas for books, goods and salons. Small bridges, village houses, miniature squares, octagonal pavilions, wooden boats and a pixelated Qilin figure shape the interior. Contemporary elements are added, such as parametric subway train lines, an augmented reality experience and a tea area. Simple local materials keep the construction budget low, including cement self-leveling, terrazzo, clay bricks and granite.
Ferrying Compound Bookstore by Xixi Quan, Kau Chan and Fangru Niu was highlighted as an exceptional example of architectural design by the A' Design Award. Ferrying Compound Bookstore received the Silver A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design in 2025. The A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award is an international, meritocratic, just and fair design accolade which honors outstanding design of residential interiors, restaurants, hotels, offices, galleries, retail stores, showrooms, exhibition spaces and more.
