Punto y Coma Bookstore in Queretaro seamlessly blends architectural design and bookstore experience.
Contents
Project Background
Punto y Coma, a bookstore located in Queretaro, Mexico, was designed by Verduzco Guerra. It’s not just a bookstore but also a cultural center, aiming to redefine the bookstore experience. The bookstore seamlessly integrates a variety of functions, including book displays, reading spaces, social areas, and a flexible event space, all within a thoughtfully designed environment.
Design Concept and Objectives
Verduzco Guerra’s design for Punto y Coma centers around creating a space that encourages exploration and engagement. The bookstore’s doorless layout and curved walls gently guide visitors through different areas, fostering a sense of discovery. The long, central display table serves as a unifying element, connecting the bookstore and cultural center spaces.
Layout and Spatial Planning
The bookstore’s layout offers a diverse range of experiences. Open areas encourage social interaction and relaxation, while quiet corners provide spaces for reading and reflection. A dedicated “reflective space” provides a versatile area for hosting events. The collaborative workspace at the back offers three distinct work environments: a central blue table for group projects, individual cubicles for focused tasks, and a long desk overlooking a courtyard for those seeking a more scenic setting.
Exterior Design and Aesthetics
The design of Punto y Coma embraces the building’s existing structure. The original concrete slab from the 1980s was revealed and polished, creating a floor that speaks to the building’s history. The walls and ceilings are finished with Nanocal’s fine lime stucco, creating a smooth, continuous surface that connects the space. Custom-designed furniture strikes a balance between form and function.
Material Selection and Sustainability
The bookstore’s material palette further enhances the design. Blue tables with steel substructures and cement panel finishes contrast subtly with American oak benches and supports. These choices complement the neutral tones of the walls and draw attention to the books and objects on display. JM Villegas’s flexible shelving system, crafted from brackets and natural aluminum strips, adapts to different display needs. Natural steel accents, such as the central cylindrical light fixtures, add a touch of industrial chic.
Construction and Management
The renovation project involved exposing the original concrete slab from the 1980s, treating it to become the polished yet rough floor we see today. Walls and ceilings were meticulously coated with Nanocal’s fine lime stucco, creating a smooth, continuous surface. Custom-designed furniture was integrated to balance functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Social and Cultural Impact
Punto y Coma goes beyond being a simple bookstore; it’s a cultural hub that fosters a sense of community and encourages intellectual exploration. The bookstore provides a platform for people to discover new books, engage in conversations, and participate in events, enriching the cultural landscape of Queretaro.
Evaluation and Feedback
The Punto y Coma bookstore has been lauded for its innovative design and its positive impact on the community. It demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can transform a bookstore into a vibrant cultural center, attracting visitors and encouraging a love for reading and learning.
Project Information:
Architect: Verduzco Guerra
Area: Not specified
Project Year: Not specified
Project Location: Queretaro, Mexico
Main Materials: Concrete, Nanocal’s fine lime stucco, American oak, steel, natural aluminum
Project Type: Bookstore, Cultural Center
Photographer: Onnis Luque
