They told me they wanted to be a place that their neighborhood could enjoy, where their kids would stop by after school. They also wanted a space the felt open and light, but without losing the warmth of a family run business.

On a tight budget, I designed an homage to the functionality of the Vitsœ 606 shelving system using off the shelf hardware and plywood.

The freestanding furniture was inspired by Enzo Mari’s Autoprogettazione, a published set of plans detailing the construction of simple furniture with no complex joinery and material found at the lumber yard. Unfortunately the material specified isn’t common any more, however the construction is still timeless.

Both parties were in agreement that we should create a space that dignified young minds. Rather than lower the shelving in the children’s area, we designed a platform that elevated them, bringing them up to the shelving.

Each 31.5” shelf unit was fitted with lasercut aluminum bookends designed to integrate with the shelving system.

We designed these multi purpose window displays on casters so they can easily be rotated daily to prevent sun damage on the display books.

Additionally the slanted shelf can be flipped and installed in a horizontal position for non-book display use.