Aera Primary Function: Liwru Qhatuna Wasi by Silvia Schaeffer is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu in Ukupi Kamay Competition Category.
BurunsiUkupi· 2026
Aera Primary Function: Liwru Qhatuna Wasi
Client: Silvia Schaeffer Design
A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu Winner in Ukupi Category
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- Verified Award Winner
- Verify Award Status for #178463
The Design
About Aera Primary Function: Liwru Qhatuna Wasi
Book Text: Aera nisqaqa mana llamkachisqa qhatuna chiqantam tikrachin q'uñi achkha ruwana ukhuman, chaypim hukllachakun liwru qhatuna wasi, kafe chiqan, hinaspa kuyuriqlla ayllu chiqanwan. K'aspimanta pergolakunam chiqankunata rakin hinaspa k'anchay sistemata sayachin, k'aspi llusqachasqakuna, q'umir yurakuna, hinaspa llamphu k'anchaywan hawkalla samayta paqarichin. Sut'i puriy ñankuna, modular kaspi llamkay, hinaspa llapanpaq chayanapaq ñankunam allin kausayta hinaspa fácil llamkayta hark'an. Huñunakuy chiqanqa liwru huñunakuykunata, película qhawaykunata, yachachiykunata, hinaspa runamasi tinkuykunatam chaskin, kaynapi chiqanqa imaymana ayllup munasqankunaman tupachikunampaq.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu
Aera Primary Function: Liwru Qhatuna Wasi A' Design Award Burunsi Premiu mishak kan, jatun yupaychay, kayta mana shuk shina, mushuk yuyaypi, yuyaypi shinallatak chaskik kaypi riksishka diseñukunaman kun. Burunsi mishak kashkakunaka ruray ushayta charik shinallatak mancharina mushuk rurashkakunami, paykunata rurakkunapak achka yachayta, yuyayta shinallatak ruray ushayta rikuchinku. Aera Primary Function: Liwru Qhatuna Wasi sinchi yupaychashka, kuyashka shinallatak riksishka shuk ruray kanata munanku, ruray yuyaywan shinallatak mushuk yuyaywan. Kay Burunsi Premiu japishka diseñuka arti, siensia, diseñu shinallatak tekinolojíapi ashtawan alli ruraykunata tantachin shinallatak ima ukumanta rikuypi sumak kan. Aera Primary Function: Liwru Qhatuna Wasi mañaykunata alli paktachin, munaykunata llankan, shunkuta kuyachin shinallatak yachayta munayta kallarichin.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- The client discovered an empty commercial space in Michigan and envisioned transforming it into a bookstore with an attached coffee shop. To support the desire for larger gatherings, book clubs, and movie nights, Silvia designed a spacious multifunctional area equipped with a large screen. Warm wood finishes and abundant greenery were incorporated throughout to create a harmonious, calming, and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Aera occupies 353 square meters. The project features sustainable wood flooring and environmentally friendly finishes. Custom wooden pergolas support the lighting grid and define zones within the open plan. The existing ceiling was retained and painted black to recede visually. Modular millwork optimizes book display, and the layout ensures full wheelchair accessibility. Curved ergonomic furniture and earth tone materials enhance comfort and spatial coherence.
- Tags
- Aera, bookstore design, interior design, sustainable materials, wood pergolas, commercial space, cultural space, Michigan design, modular millwork, nature inspired design
- Production Technology
- A connected design was achieved by repeating a controlled palette of colors and textures across all zones, ensuring visual continuity. Circulation paths were defined through spatial sequencing and ergonomic shelf placement, while modular millwork allowed flexible product display. A dedicated media area was integrated with acoustic considerations to support film sessions and literary events.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was converting a large empty office into a warm cultural space under tight budget and time constraints. The ceiling could not be replaced, so it was painted black and paired with new wooden pergolas to define zones and support lighting. Climate concerns required a wooden panel to block winter drafts. Limited resources demanded sustainable materials, modular millwork, and full accessibility, all integrated despite structural restrictions.
- Research
- Aera used spatial and user experience research. The goal was to turn an empty office into a warm cultural space. Methods included site analysis, circulation mapping, climate review, and material tests. Data came from client interviews and field observation. Findings showed the need for clear zones, warm lighting, sustainable materials, and accessibility. These insights shaped the pergolas, modular millwork, and winter panel, improving comfort, flow, and community use.
- Inspiration
- Silvia brought this vision to life by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere shaped by natural wood finishes and generous greenery, bringing the calm of nature into the interior. Every element was chosen to evoke comfort and ease, allowing the space to feel both intimate and open. The final design not only invites visitors to explore the shelves and enjoy the retail experience, but also encourages them to stay longer, sharing coffee and conversation with friends in a setting that feels relaxed and familiar.
- Project Duration
- The project commenced in June 2023 in Oxford, Michigan. Construction began in October 2023 and continued through February 2024, during which the interior architecture, custom millwork, lighting structures, and material applications were fully executed. The completed space reflects the design intent established at project initiation.
- Operation Flow
- Aera guides visitors naturally from the entrance into reading areas, the coffee zone, and the event space. Wooden pergolas mark each zone and create warm lighting that encourages people to stay. Curved furniture, greenery, and soft colors make the large interior feel calm and easy to navigate. Shelves are accessible, pathways are clear, and every area supports both quiet moments and group gatherings.
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to Silvia Schaeffer, 2024
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Visual Designer Sergio Santi, Aera Render 1, 2024
Image #2: Visual Designer Sergio Santi, Aera Render 2, 2024
Image #3: Visual Designer Sergio Santi, Aera Render 3, 2024
Image #4: Visual Designer Sergio Santi, Aera Render 4, 2024
Image #5: Visual Designer Sergio Santi, Aera Render 5, 2024
Video Credits: Visual Designer Sergio Santi, Aera Video, 2024
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