LIBRAIRIE AVANT - GARDE

Nestled on the lush slopes of Tangshan Mountain in Nanjing’s outskirts, the Pioneer Bookstore breathes new life into ten imposing cylindrical concrete silos, relics of nearly a century of industrial cement production. This visionary adaptive reuse project redefines the notion of industrial heritage by transforming these geometric monoliths into immersive cultural spaces that celebrate knowledge, imagination, and regeneration.

At the heart of the design lies the concept of integrated renovation, green innovation, and silo regeneration. The project preserves the raw industrial essence of the silos, respecting their original form and materiality, while infusing them with delicate interventions that foster new narratives and ecological vitality. Each silo, once a “warehouse” for raw materials, is reimagined as a three-level “book warehouse,” complete with rooftop gardens where flourishing osmanthus trees symbolize renewal and harmony with nature.

The ten silos each hold a unique thematic identity—ranging from literary, artistic, and philosophical domains to children’s picture books and archaeological exploration—creating distinct “dreamscapes” that invite visitors into varied realms of human spirit and creativity. The “Poetry Tower,” an elegantly spiraling silo with mirrored surfaces, plays with reflections and light, dissolving spatial boundaries and evoking a dreamlike atmosphere.

Materiality and detailing reflect a poetic minimalism: walls feature special coatings emulating the texture of paper, while slender steel shelves, only 3mm thick, mimic the delicate thinness of pages. Between silos, mirrored passageways extend the perceived spatial dimensions, fostering a sense of infinite exploration and psychological immersion.

Sustainability is integral. The project not only rehabilitates a scarred industrial site but also exemplifies a new cultural life cycle, harmonizing environmental sensitivity with profound cultural resonance. The Pioneer Bookstore serves as a beacon of spiritual and architectural regeneration, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can nurture both collective memory and future imagination.

Echoing the words of Garden Expo Park’s chief designer Academician Cui Kai, “Restoration is not about returning to the past, but about creating the future.” This project embodies that vision by transforming forgotten industrial relics into a vibrant cultural landmark that inspires, comforts, and heals.