Dezeen Magazine

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

This small bookshop in Bratislava, Slovakia, has a climbing wooden floor that allows it to double up as an informal auditorium.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

In the daytime these chunky wooden steps provide seats for anyone having a leaf through the books, while during events and talks they can be filled with rows of spectators.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Completed by Slovakian architects Martin Jančok of Plural and Aleš Šedivec of Totalstudio in 2010, the bookshop also contains a coffee shop at the floor’s peak.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

A staircase here leads down to staff rooms and storage areas that are concealed below.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

One of our most popular stories of all time features a bookshop inside a former church - see what you think here or see all our stories about bookshops here.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Here's a little more text from the architects:


Bookshop and coffee bar.
2010, Bratislava, Slovakia

How can a small bookshop compete within a network of firmly established booksellers? What can it offer to customers? How can it draw attention?

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Our aim was to create a flexible space that would not only sell books but would also be capable of facilitating various collateral events such as projections, readings, minor concerts, workshops, etc.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Two focal points of the bookshop are placed at both ends of the longitudinal space.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

A checkout is next to the entrance and a coffee bar is on the opposite side on an original elevated gallery.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Both levels are connected with cascades which serve as an auditorium during collateral events and allow customers to sit, read, relax or communicate through regular opening hours.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Books are stored in long shelves along both sides of thebookshop. By this means a clear oragnization and a monumental effect is achieved. New titles and bestsellers are displayed at several mobile stands.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

The permanent part of the program - storage, deposit, office and lavatory – are placed under the gallery and accessible via a staircase at the edge of the coffee bar and cascades.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Authors: Martin Jančok (Plural), Aleš Šedivec (Totalstudio)
Graphic design: Marcel Benčík
Client: Ladon, s.r.o.

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec

Structural engineering: Geostat
Carpenter: Treeman
Total floor area: 170m²

Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec