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 has been highlighted as an outstanding representation of architectural design by the A' Design Award & Competition. Ferrying Compound Bookstore earned the Silver A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design in 2025. The A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award is a highly prestigious international design prize that celebrates outstanding design of residential interiors, restaurants, hotels, offices, galleries, retail stores, showrooms, exhibition spaces and more.
