McNally Jackson Books Cafe by Front Studio
January 19, 2010 // Architecture + Books





I know a lot of the time I post about minimal architecture, with lots of concrete and blank walls and well, it can be kind of boring. Then I come across spaces like the cafe for McNally Jackson Books, and I’m struck by the warmth and character of the space. Designed by Front Studio, the space where, ” every moment evokes some visceral connection with books and with reading.” Doesn’t that sound nice?

There are books on the ceiling which are meant to look like someone tossed them up there and they were frozen in place, and the walls are also lined with opened books, giving the walls texture. I also love the fold down reading arms that when folded up against the wall look like books. When lowered off the wall they accommodate a book and cup of coffee.

Found through MoCo Loco
Photos by Maggie Soloday

Bobby

  1. Great work, never seen something like that before. Love the lighting too

    Comment by Jp — January 19, 2010 #

  2. Oh I assure you, it is great! I think this is the SoHo spot I go to a lot in the summer.. looks like it anyway..

    Comment by Xander — January 19, 2010 #

  3. I love the wood work on this project, makes the space even wormer

    Comment by chipotle — January 19, 2010 #

  4. I want to go to there.

    Comment by saer — January 19, 2010 #

  5. Oh, the book on the desk is one of the most important books you could ever read. Alex Ross describes 20th century orchestral music… and on his blog you can get a concise (as well as an expanded) playlist to listen while you read. Though he writes fluidly, reading about music is like reading about food… it’s an incomplete proxy. Just read it one chapter per month… listen to the music, then go read something else… and come back a month later for more.

    Comment by Yoram — January 19, 2010 #

  6. Gah…such a simple concept. Never seen it before though!

    Comment by Jarred — January 19, 2010 #

  7. [...] via Kitsune Noir. [...]

    Pingback by y+j journal » Blog Archive » McNally Jackson Books Cafe — January 19, 2010 #

  8. Immediately reminded me of Richard Wentworth’s 1995 piece, “False Ceiling”… such a great image: http://www.sculpture.org.uk/image/525016522531/82/

    Comment by Rion — February 7, 2010 #

  9. This cafe is amazing- I love it!!!
    but please please credit the photos to me!
    Maggie Soladay, thanks.

    Comment by Maggie Soladay — February 25, 2010 #