A modular, geometrical shelving system: two blocks placed horizontally on top of each other equal the height of one module in an upright position, while the eponymous '6' is the number of degrees that separate it from a right angle
www.lovekompott.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
The Archive series from Danish design studio David Garcia examines the physical weight of information and the relationship between books and humans. Archive I features a reading chair, elevated according to the weight of volumes in the bookcase
www.davidgarciastudio.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
This bookchair/pushcart by Nils Holger Moormann offers a comprehensive reading experience: not only can it hold around 80 paperbacks in the arms and backrest, it also sports a reading lamp and hidden drawers for writing equipment
www.moormann.de Photograph: Thames & Hudson
Colombia-born Alejandro Gomez Stubbs, the designer of Equilibrium, says 'The concept was to design a piece that contrasted stylish modern design with playfulness and animation'
www.malaganadesign Photograph: Thames & Hudson
Designer Denny Tormen won first prize in the inaugural Brazilian Sustainable Design Competition with his cow-shaped bookcase: all materials were sourced from a cooperative that turns waste paper into a hard, plate-like material
www.dennystormen.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
Although the lower shelves become increasingly less useful for storing books, the collapsed feel of the Etagère KC adds a unique visual touch to any library
www.parsydebonsdesign.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
Belarus-born, Paris-based designer Dzmitry Samal says: 'The Human Furniture Collection was created as a mix between the pragmatism and efficiency of the geometrical shapes and sculptural beauty of the human body'
www.samaldesign.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
The shelves are part of a collection of blue furniture by Milan-based design duo Pieke Bergmans and Peter van der Jagt. The shapes are striking when seen from a distance, but when examined closely, the edges reveal themselves to be melted and deformed
www.piekebergmans.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
The shelves of Sebastian Errazuriz's one-off, handcarved bookcase evoke ivy creeping across a wall. It was inspired by the branches that grew on his childhood home in Santiago, Chile – branches that he and his brother used as shelves for their toys
www.meetsebastian.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
Thai design company Osisu produces handmade objects from waste material that has been found at construction sites, or thrown away during manufacturing processes. The materials used range from reclaimed teak to sawdust and from discarded food packaging to salvaged ventilation grilles
www.osisu.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
Read-Unread is constructed out of leather straps hung across wall-mounted supports. The design literally weighs what you have read against what you're still getting round to
www.nikoeconomidis.com Photograph: Thames & Hudson
Architects Levitate constructed this staircase in a London flat, where space limitations led to the creation of a library staircase that holds around 2,000 books. The staircase was designed by structural engineers Rodrigues Associates to transfer the weight of the stairs and books back to the main walls of the building. It dangles from the upper floor, thereby avoiding any complicated issues with neighbours living below
www.levitate.uk.com
Photograph: Levitate Photograph: Thames & Hudson
