But at a bookstore called Children of Paradise, located in downtown Chicago, IL, almost all of the shelf space have horizontal ledges where books are displayed within easy reach of even the smallest literary critics. This represents only one of the techniques used by the design team at Marvin Herman and Associates, Inc., Chicago, to bring the two-story retail space down to a child's eye.

According to Marvin Herman, principal, the 2,500-square-foot vacant space had a ceiling height of 25 feet. To lower the ceiling to a comfortable level, soffits were placed around the perimeter of the store. Because the soffits range in height from three to six feet, they create a sense of movement around the space and generate added visual interest.

Two of the soffits have skylights; one shaped like a star, the other like a crescent moon. These whimsical skylights are illuminated by light that travels through barrel arches from windows on the mezzanine level. The skylight wells are lined with neon tubing that enhances the natural light.

The mezzanine level is accessed by a circular stair and offers a quiet reading spot for older children. The stairwell and the octagon­shaped reading nook make the high ceiling seem more reachable. Both are surrounded by an open grid metal cage, so children have an aerial view of the rest of the store. The remainder of the mezzanine level is not visible and provides storage space.

At the entrance to Children of Paradise, a small door for children is set within the main door, immediately bringing the scale down to a child's eye. In fact, even before entering the bookstore, children can easily peek in through low storefront windows.

The front vestibule is semi-circular in shape and has a round column covered with colorful glass mosaic tiles that set the tone for fun and adventure. The ceiling in the vestibule is lower, as well, in order to create a comfortable, "don't-be-afraid-just-come-inside" atmosphere.

Only at the center of the store's space, above the gazebo-style cash wrap, does the ceiling soar to its top height of 20 feet, leaving five feet concealed for ductwork and electrical wiring. However, this is even brought down by the stepped form that rings this portion of the ceiling.

Adjacent to the cash wrap is a sunken reading area, above which floats a domed ceiling. The dome is backlit with neon and is painted to look like an evening sky with clowns and jesters peeking down on the activities below.

Activity Centers
Throughout the bookstore, there are activities, or vignettes, that relate to different age groups from pre-school to teenage. Activities include model making, sand painting, computer work and, of course, storytelling.

The layout of the space features a round circulation pattern, unlike other bookstores that usually have a linear or grid pattern. Tables and other low display units, including the built-in shelf space around the cash wrap, encourage young readers to look and learn. Most of the books are displayed so that their covers show, because a child learning to read is attracted by a cover illustration, not by the title on the binding.

In addition to recessed lighting in the ceiling, stem lights and track lighting bring light directly in front of the bookcases. A soft gradation of pastel colors not only supports the child-like atmosphere, but also enhances the affect of the direct lighting. The walls of the store are painted with scenes of the sea, fairies and a castle complete with turret.

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