The Canopy Book Display is Kyle Chen’s first public furniture. From his design thinking to his craftsmanship, the Canopy Book Display represents how learning is unlimited, where our knowledge expands beyond any boundaries, just like a thriving tree.
As a project for Chen’s grade 12 capstone project, he wanted to give back to his school community through what he enjoys doing, architecture and design. With his priority for thanking his high school, Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, Kyle decided to design and build a book display for the library.
Kyle’s Capstone Inquiry Question:
“How can designing and building a book display for my school’s library allow me to dig deeper into the field of architecture, while benefiting student amenities at school?”
This project took around 2 months to finish. From initial design sketches to prototyping, he was ultimately inspired by the forms of a thriving tree. Where their branches stretch outwards for sunlight, just like how students reach for new ideas and knowledge.
The Canopy Book Display is a full wooden structure, made from plywood. Chen’s craftsmanship allowed him not only to design a unique piece of library display, but also a functional and representative product.
The uneven and unique shapes of the display plates it represents how our educational journey as students is not all the same. Where different paths of life will lead us into the future of the unknown.
The Canopy Book Display was delivered to the Churchill Secondary School Library on April 15, 2026. This book display will act as the library’s “Hot Topic” section, where it will display many interesting new books, attracting many new readers.
Kyle appreciates all the support from his teachers, mentors, and friends for supporting his work and ambitions. He also appreciates the generosity of the Churchill Library for partnering with him to create a book display for his capstone project.
“I look forward to continuing my exploration in furniture design, and how my work can create positive impacts not only visually, but also practically in our spaces” -Kyle Chen.
Location: Churchill Secondary School Library
Delivery Date: April 15, 2026
Medium: Locally sourced plywood
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