15th century cathedral reused as a book store.

Broerenkerk, a cathedral in Zwolle, Netherlands, has been redesigned as a book store.

Architects were allowed to refashion the 547-year old building as long as their imprint was easily removable and left the stained glass, pipe organ, and artistic designs intact and undisturbed--in case it ever needs to be a church again.

The new design includes three levels of books, a music section, and a restaurant with a full bar. Said the architects, "We wanted all the additions made to the church to be sober."

Sober architecturally. You can still get totally lit at the restaurant.




photo: The Daily Mail