Librairie 7L
Villa Medici, Rome, IT
2024
Established in Paris in 1999 by CHANEL’s fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, the Library 7L is a bookstore specializing in photography, design, decoration, architecture, art, and fashion. In 2021, it was acquired by CHANEL, and since then, it has seen substantial development, including the establishment of a new branch within the historic Villa Medici, home to the French Academy in Rome. This project seeks to reimagine the Rome-based library, incorporating specially designed furniture that not only showcases the books but also enhances the overall visitor experience. Inspired by the iconic Bouquinistes bookstalls lining the banks of the Seine in Paris, six pine wood modules are designed as boxes that can be opened or closed. These adaptable units are constructed to display an array of items, from books to art pieces created by academy residents, offering flexibility for indoor or outdoor setups to facilitate public engagements, book launches, dialogues, events, and more.
Author:
Manuel Bouzas
Rosita Palladino
Photographer:
Luis Diaz Diaz
Client:
Librarie 7L
Villa Medici
In collaboration with:
Librairie 7L
CHANEL
