Studio Vapore creates children's story-informed library for Beijing school

Local practice Studio Vapore has reimagined the Western Academy of Beijing's elementary school library in China, blending elements from children's stories with traditional Chinese architectural motifs.

Aiming to encourage curiosity and exploration, Studio Vapore looked to timeless children's literature from around the world for inspiration.

"From the beginning, we aimed to balance the functional needs of a library with the more aspirational goal of making it a place that nurtures imagination ," Studio Vapore founder Erica Borsa told Dezeen. " A truly inspiring library had to be more than a functional space – it needed to spark curiosity and wonder. "

"To bring this vision to life, we wrote an adventure story, " she continued. " This narrative became the design's foundation, transforming the space into a three-dimensional storybook where each element contributes to an unfolding journey of discovery. "

The design drew on the architectural heritage of China, incorporating traditional roof forms and reinterpreting historical colour palettes.

Shades of salmon pink, deep red, dusty blue and muted gold subtly reference the hues of ancient temples and "something reminiscent of a 'faded' Forbidden City".

The library unfolds through a series of themed areas that introduce spatial elements commonly found in classic children's stories, such as labyrinths, caves and forests.

"As we explored children's literature, we noticed that certain spatial elements often appear," Borsa said. "Building on the library's technical foundation, we sought to make it an immersive environment, weaving in these familiar storytelling elements to shape the design."

"No matter how a child feels on a given day, they can find a space that resonates with them," she continued.

At the heart of the library stands a Tibetan-informed storytelling tower, which serves as a visual anchor and conceptual landmark. Rising from an elevated reading platform, the tower leads to a suspended net for informal gatherings.

"The idea of the tower emerged naturally as we shaped the space," Borsa explained. "We introduced an elevated platform, and as we designed the staircase leading to it, the structure took on the presence of a tower—a guiding element within the library."

"Much like a lighthouse in a story, it becomes a reference point, something always visible, helping children orient themselves while immersing themselves in their own literary adventures," she continued.