![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_hero-852x479.jpg)
Curving wood-lined nooks create private reading spaces in Shanghai children's library
Huge arched doorways lead to a suite of cosy wood-lined reading nooks in this children's library in Shanghai, designed by Muxin Studio to be like a "giant toy".
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1278.jpg)
The local architects designed Sissi's Wonderland library to encourage children to explore and play in a space that isn't overly embellished.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x568.jpg)
With this in mind, Muxin Studio avoided sharp corners, hard materials and straight lines to ensure the children's safety, and added light-toned materials and touches of greenery.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x1278.jpg)
Curvilinear white walls wrap the bean-shaped main library and reading area. Doorways with rounded tops lead to three semi-circular reading nooks on the outskirts.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x1278.jpg)
"It's an attempt to turn the space itself into a giant toy, in which children can freely explore, discover and create their own lively experience," the architects explained.
"We are aiming to create a cozy and amicable places for children to read and play, a place that inspires their imagination and creativity."
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x1278.jpg)
Lined with wood, the alcoves feature low level benches for the children to sit and read, either on their own or with their parents privately.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x1358.jpg)
The walls are punctured with arched windows, while doorways enable children to access other reading spaces and the planted indoor area.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x1278.jpg)
"We grow green plants on the boundaries where different spaces meet, which helps sustaining the dynamic among person, space and nature," said the studio.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x1278.jpg)
More shelves and benches are fitted into the other side of the curved white walls, where a grey-carpeted pathway is covered by a white canopy – the walkway is large enough for the children to play games.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1278.jpg)
Intended as a more social area, the main space features wooden bookshelves that encircle a play space with a grass-like carpeting. The ceiling above is black – when the lights are on it looks like a night sky.
![Sissi's Wonderland by Muxin studio](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/sissis-wonderland-muxin-studio-interiors-libraries-children-shanghai_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x1037.jpg)
Other recent projects designed for children include a micro-house in a Japanese kindergarten and a space in Madrid by Rica Studio featuring thick inhabitable walls that children can clamber into.
Photography is by Zhang Daqi.
Project credits:
Design: Muxin Studio
Design team: Zhang Lei, Sun Haochen, Zhang Yiye, Jiang Dawei, Zhang Shuhang