FRAME:

M+R Interior Architecture creates ‘the last bookstore’ for ILGE, an online subscription management platform for print or digital newspapers and magazines. With both print books and physical stores in decline, modernizing the retail concept is essential in creating a space that will remain functional despite the rapidly changing market.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that paper books are becoming obsolete, as more and more people are opting for the lighter and more convenient e-book. Even those who prefer literature in its more tactile form often use online means to acquire it. Acknowledging these trends, the ILGE Flex Space incorporates a dynamic arrangement of shelves that can either accommodate paper books or serve as a decorative – and symbolic – element if kept empty. A glimpse from the street gives passersby the impression of a traditional, even vintage, bookstore, but a second look reveals a modern and multifunctional interior. The space is primed to operate almost completely digitally: e-books, food and beverages, and conference rooms can all be purchased, ordered, and reserved via iPads near the entrance.