Wutopia Lab turns factory into bookstore in china
Ceramic Pages, a ceramic-themed bookstore designed by Wuto-mills by Wutopia Lab in collaboration with Duoyun Bookstore, comes to join the UCCA Clay Museum by Kengo Kuma as one of the main attractions at the world-renowned destination for ceramic art, the Yixing Creative & Cultural Ceramic Avenue (CCCA) in Dingshu Town, China.
The project reimagines the former Zisha Second Factory site as a vibrant hub of contemporary ceramic culture. Encompassing 2,087 square meters, Ceramic Pages intertwines architectural storytelling with the artistry of ceramics, reflecting the client’s philosophy that ‘making pots is like being a man.’ Designed under the guidance of chief architect Yu Ting, Ceramic Pages narrates the journey of crafting purple clay teapots, using architecture to symbolize the three transformative stages of the process: clay preparation, kiln firing, and completion.
all images by CreatAR Images, courtesy of Wutopia Lab
all levels of Ceramic Pages reflect stages of pottery making
The Wutopia Lab team unfolds their design across three distinct levels, each representing a phase in pottery-making and personal growth. The ground floor, dedicated to clay preparation and shaping, evokes the beginnings of life and craft. Divided into areas for preparation, tenderizing, and shaping, the earthy-yellow interiors transition from dark to light, capturing the transformation from raw material to embryonic form. Custom bookshelves mimic this evolution, symbolizing the journey from innocence to maturity.
A striking ‘spout’ connects all three floors, introducing skylight and metaphorically tying the narrative together. On the first floor, a fiery café and shop immerse visitors in the kiln firing stage. Vibrant red and blue elements paired with a cavernous layout simulate the intense heat of the kiln, conveying themes of self-improvement and perseverance. The adjoining outdoor terrace, with its bold red staircase and sun-patterned floor, extends the drama, offering views of the UCCA Clay Museum and encouraging communal engagement.
Ceramic Pages is a ceramic-themed bookstore designed by Wuto-mills by Wutopia Lab
a terrace of flames tops the ceramic-paneled facade
The third floor represents completion, likened to a finished teapot. Here, visitors encounter a serene ‘water wonderland’ with ripple-effect flooring, ceilings, and display racks. Luminous ceiling panels suggest an ethereal connection between sky and water, emphasizing the tranquility of a perfected craft. This gallery space displays exquisite pottery while symbolizing life’s ultimate sublimation.
The facade of the building features ceramic hanging panels, echoing the cultural significance of the material. GRG, colored micro-cement, and perforated aluminum panels complement the thematic journey inside. A terrace of flames beneath the ceramic facade links the indoor and outdoor narratives, visually connecting Ceramic Pages with its cultural context.
the project reimagines the former Zisha Second Factory site as a vibrant hub of contemporary ceramic culture
encompassing 2,087 square meters, Ceramic Pages intertwines architectural storytelling with the artistry of ceramics
reflecting the client’s philosophy that ‘making pots is like being a man.’
designed under the guidance of chief architect Yu Ting
