Can Ivan Zhang's design for his Ultraminimal Bookshelf put the bookend alongside the book on the endangered list?Imagine no more propping books up or lying them down to prevent books from falling over. "We usually tilt the last book on the shelf in order to prevent the books from falling. Likewise, a wide variety of bookends are on the market for the same purpose...This natural shape of Bookshelf’ makes conscious rectification unnecessary."The bookshelf is a cinch to assemble and "with the strength produced by the arched board itself, users can easily assemble the bookshelf without punching or screws."Of course, to...
Making Space for Reading
Reading HideawayReading can be an escape or an education or both at once. It can challenge, comfort, exasperate or delight but in this busy world the main problem can be finding space for it all - Rachel Van Riel, Director of Opening the BookBrodart, a leading library supply company, has partnered with Opening the Book to bring their designs to the North American market.95% of UK libraries already use Opening the Book products and their work has been shown to increase circulation and enhance patron satisfaction.To celebrate the release of the Opening The Book product line on this side of...
It’s a Wrap! The Elena Garro Cultural Centre
Now I have to put Mexico City on the "go to" list.Look at what Mexican architects Fernanda Canales and arquitectura 911sc have come up with for the design of the Elena Garro Cultural Centre. They wrapped the front of the old house with a concrete and glass frame to create an 'open' library space. They then incorporated not only the brick porch of the old house but also the huge tree that sits in front. More at:Denzeenarch daily
William S. Stone
StudyWilliam S. Stone builds some pretty wild things - from chairs without legs to surreal clocks Stone offers a refreshing take on basic household objects.Luckily for us he has created a few pieces for he book crowd including the "Study," a self-contained outdoor study space.Three bookcasesForest bookcase
Get Your Literary Thumbprint
Now I know fingerprints are not usually associated with the most positive of activities but artist Cheryl Sorg has come up with what might be the best use yet.Your own thumbprint transformed into a visual representation of the highlights of your reading life.Here's how it works:The artist will send you ink and some cardsyou stick your thumb in the ink and apply to cardmail inked cards back witha list of up to 50 of your favorite booksWait a few weeks and your three foot high thumbprint portrait will arriveHere's Sorg's homage to Haruki Murakami:and if that's not cool enough for you...