The notched circle
The scallop's curve, simplified into a notched circle, becomes a motif that recurs throughout the space.
The Space
An urban book island designed for children
Follow the winding steps up to the second floor, and you may already hear laughter and the sound of English reading drifting out. Push open the glass door and you step into a brand-new experience of reading in English for children.
Concept
Echoes of the MOUSEION seat of learning
The interior was designed by the prominent Chinese design studio FAN AF Architecture. The concept traces back to the MOUSEION, the largest centre of scholarship and the arts of its time, founded in the city of Alexandria.
The inspiration comes from the abstract, shifting curves of the scallop — the notched circle derived by simplifying the scallop shell is applied throughout the space, allowing each reading room to stay independent while remaining connected. Across the whole integrated space, a more inclusive design language leaves children more room to imagine.
The layered book tower
The white book tower rising in tiers is the heart of the space and connects with each child's Reading Card.
Independent yet connected
Reading rooms, a computer room, a display stage and a multi-purpose room are arranged around the book tower.
An early aesthetic education
Walking through the space, pausing to read and searching for a title — the act of moving itself is an aesthetic experience.
In reading, we hope to hear children strike up the polyphonic rhythms of thought and perform a symphony of language and content, and to find in it the lifelong joy of reading.
Book Tower
The book tower lights up, and progress becomes visible
Step into the Mouseion Reading Workshop and you will notice the white book tower rising in tiers. It connects with each young reader's Reading Card: as they move up through the grades, they light up more and more of the tower's reading range, right through to graduation — meeting the needs of each language stage while also sparking children's love of reading.
Reading Card × Book Tower
Lights up level by level
Through to graduation
Gallery
The space up close
Click any image to view it larger.
Awards
Honoured repeatedly by international architecture and interior design awards
The space itself is a gift of beauty from Mouseion to children.
2020
International Design Award · I-Ding Award
The Mouseion Nanjing Yanlord Riverside City centre received the 2020 International Design Award — the I-Ding Award (public architectural space category).
2021
WAF / INSIDE World Festival of Interiors
Shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) and the INSIDE World Festival of Interiors 2021 awards.
2021
Dezeen Awards
Shortlisted in the civic and cultural space interior design category, standing out from more than 4,700 entries across 87 countries.
Model
International Child-Friendly Demonstration Site
A widely honoured child-friendly space and a highly acclaimed international child-friendly demonstration library.
Visit
Visit information
Address62 Bailongjiang West Street, Jianye District, Nanjing · 2F, Tonglefang, Yanlord Riverside City (near 21st Century Real Estate)
Phone025-85710168
Mobile180 6168 1356
Opening hours10:00 – 20:00, closed on Tuesdays
NearbyWest of the Jianye District International Expo Centre; part of the Jiangwan community convenience living circle
