![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_6.jpg)
Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec
This small bookshop in Bratislava, Slovakia, has a climbing wooden floor that allows it to double up as an informal auditorium.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_1c.jpg)
In the daytime these chunky wooden steps provide seats for anyone having a leaf through the books, while during events and talks they can be filled with rows of spectators.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_9.jpg)
Completed by Slovakian architects Martin Jančok of Plural and Aleš Šedivec of Totalstudio in 2010, the bookshop also contains a coffee shop at the floor’s peak.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_8.jpg)
A staircase here leads down to staff rooms and storage areas that are concealed below.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_10.jpg)
One of our most popular stories of all time features a bookshop inside a former church - see what you think here or see all our stories about bookshops here.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_3.jpg)
Here's a little more text from the architects:
Bookshop and coffee bar.
2010, Bratislava, Slovakia
How can a small bookshop compete within a network of firmly established booksellers? What can it offer to customers? How can it draw attention?
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_5.jpg)
Our aim was to create a flexible space that would not only sell books but would also be capable of facilitating various collateral events such as projections, readings, minor concerts, workshops, etc.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_11.jpg)
Two focal points of the bookshop are placed at both ends of the longitudinal space.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_4.jpg)
A checkout is next to the entrance and a coffee bar is on the opposite side on an original elevated gallery.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_7.jpg)
Both levels are connected with cascades which serve as an auditorium during collateral events and allow customers to sit, read, relax or communicate through regular opening hours.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_D2.gif)
Books are stored in long shelves along both sides of thebookshop. By this means a clear oragnization and a monumental effect is achieved. New titles and bestsellers are displayed at several mobile stands.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_D1.gif)
The permanent part of the program - storage, deposit, office and lavatory – are placed under the gallery and accessible via a staircase at the edge of the coffee bar and cascades.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_D4.gif)
Authors: Martin Jančok (Plural), Aleš Šedivec (Totalstudio)
Graphic design: Marcel Benčík
Client: Ladon, s.r.o.
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_M1.jpg)
Structural engineering: Geostat
Carpenter: Treeman
Total floor area: 170m²
![Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec Alexis by Martin Jančok and Aleš Šedivec](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/02/dezeen_Alexis-by-Martin-Jancok-and-Ales-Sedivec_M2.jpg)