04.02.10

McNally Jackson Books store design

Environmental Graphics, Consumer

New York City-based Front Studio was approached by Sarah McNally of McNally Jackson Books to reinterpret the café area of the independent bookseller as a place evocative of reading and books. The collaboration between avid readers resulted in a space where every moment draws a visceral connection with books and with reading: A scattering of books hangs precipitously from the ceiling, as if a stack of them had been thrown into the sky and frozen. The curved wall surrounding the seating area is covered in wallpaper made entirely of open spine books, the texture of the print adds a rippling effect of restless pages. Running along the wall is a series of folding single tables, carefully crafted so that when closed they resemble folded books. The new menu is made of food-related quotes lit by four light fixtures, each dedicated to the many editions of a singular book.

[photo credit: Maggie Soladay Photography]

Yen Ha/Michi Yanagishita, designers/principals; Sarah McNally, book selection.