Trace Architecture Office has renovated and extended the Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde in Beijing, China.

In 2021, TAO was invited by the local government and Librairie Avant-Garde to repair and renovate the Weishan Chongzheng Academy.

As a result, the academy has been transformed to include a bookstore with comprehensive functions, including exhibition space, a small theatre, coffee shop with the intention of awakening the former prosperity and vitality of the place.

Applying a limited intervention and low-impact design strategy, the design maintains the original spatial atmosphere.

Existing trees in the courtyard maximize the preservation of historical walls and wooden structure details, demonstrating great respect for the local area's history and the overall natural landscape.

This project has been longlisted in the heritage project category of Dezeen Awards 2024.

Studio: Trace Architecture Office
Project: Weishan Chongzheng Academy Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde
Credits: Librairie Avant-Garde, Weishan Culture and Tourism Bureau, Hua Li, Hua Li, Zhong Sheng, Zhang Peng, Wang Langhuan, Zhang Weili, He Yuanxi, Yang Huiru, Ma Zhigang, Zhao Xiaolei, Liao Yubiao, Ma Yujie, LV Jianjun, Kcalin Design Group, Sun Jing, Li Xin, Yunnan Xizhou Construction and Engineering, Weishan Hongji Construction and Installation and Arch-Exist Photography