Zanel Herrewyn

Open Book

Bachelor of Design Retail Experience

No walls, no barriers, no inside, no outside -Kyong Park

Open Book reimagines the boundaries between interior and exterior, blending art, architecture, and interaction into a living comic book experience. Challenging the exclusivity of the art world, this design invites everyone to step into a world of imagination and wonder. The hinged entryways, crafted from concrete and recycled fibers, unfold like the panels of a comic book, dissolving the facade and extending the store’s interior onto the Newmarket sidewalk. Here, visitors aren’t just observers; they become participants in an unfolding narrative.

At the heart of the design is a curved brass element encircling a communal comic book discussion table. Pivoting bookshelves create non-linear pathways, mimicking the fluid layout of a comic book. As visitors rotate these bookshelves, they uncover new perspectives and stories, immersing themselves in a dynamic, interactive space that invites exploration and engagement.The fluid floor plan has no fixed entry, encouraging visitors to craft their own journey through the space. Seamlessly blending the gallery, café, and public areas, Open Book extends onto the street, with seating integrated into the facade, blurring the line between inside and outside.

Open Book transforms the experience of manga and comics, offering a new cultural landmark in Newmarket. By immersing visitors in this interactive environment, the space redefines how comic books are experienced, celebrating their rich storytelling potential and bringing them into the heart of the art world.