- Project: QAZAQBOOKS
- Architect: Kvadrat Architects
- Location: Kazakhstan, Astana
- Year: 2022
- Area: 33 m2
A Multifunctional Space That Redefines Bookstore Design
Located in the heart of Astana, QAZAQBOOKS is far more than a bookstore—it’s a literary and cultural hub designed by Kvadrat Architects. At just 355 sq. ft., this compact space accommodates a bookstore, a coffee and mini-bar, and a flexible venue for author events and intimate cultural gatherings.
Its remarkable spatial efficiency and conceptual clarity earned it a spot on the ADD AWARDS 2022 shortlist—testament to how thoughtful architecture can transform even the smallest footprints into immersive experiences.
More Than a Bookstore: A Cultural Mission
The QAZAQBOOKS team are not just book retailers—they’re publishers, translators, and cultural curators. They translate global literature into Kazakh and host book signings, readings, and thematic evenings that celebrate local and international authors.
To accommodate this mission, Kvadrat Architects created a mobile and flexible layout:
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Modular shelving islands can be reconfigured or moved entirely to open space for events.
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Bar and reading zones are seamlessly integrated without visual clutter.
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Each area supports both solitary reading and communal interaction.
“Every inch of QAZAQBOOKS is designed to feel slow, intentional, and inspiring,” say the architects. “It’s a place where literature is lived.”
Interior Concept: Minimalism with a Signature Color
Despite its compact size, the space feels airy, light, and immersive. The design features a restrained color palette, anchored by QAZAQBOOKS’ trademark yellow, which energizes the space and enhances visual branding.
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Stainless steel panels subtly reflect yellow tones, producing a gradient lighting effect.
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Bookshelves and ceiling accents carry pops of the sunny hue, guiding the eye through the space.
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The palette balances the energetic brand identity with a calm, reader-friendly environment.
Tactile, Flexible, and User-Focused
Kvadrat Architects’ design emphasizes material texture, modularity, and ambiance:
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Island shelves and bar furniture are easily reconfigurable, allowing for dynamic programming.
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The atmosphere encourages readers to linger, discover books, sip a latte, and engage in conversation.
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Despite a dense program, the space never feels crowded—a result of precise planning and minimalist detailing.
QAZAQBOOKS by Kvadrat Architects is a standout example of what modern cultural spaces can be. It compresses bookstore, café, and event venue into a compact yet expansive experience. Through smart layout, signature design language, and a mission-driven purpose, this 355 sq. ft. interior proves that scale doesn’t limit impact—vision does the opposite.
