Article source: ARCHI5

The Media Library is a strong cultural symbol for the Marsan urban area. It is a place of discovery, gatherings and exchanges for its users. It is a visible, distinctive building without being overpowering.

The Media Library stands in the middle of the Bosquet barracks, and care has been taken to augment the dialogue with the place’s strong architectural whole. With its clean envelope of pure geometric lines, a 197 ft x 197 ft square, the building complies with the classical layout yet contrasts with its austerity by offsetting the system with a corner opening onto the city. Its façades reflect the surrounding barracks like a respectful, deferential mirror.

Image Courtesy © Didier Boy de la Tour.

• Architects: ARCHI5
• Project: Mediatheque
• Location: Mont de Marsan, France
• Photography: Communauté d’agglomération du Marsan, Gaston F. Bergeret, Didier Boy de la Tour.
• Client: Communauté d’agglomération du Marsan
• Program: Construction of a Mediatheque, conference hall. Conception of the furnitures and the signage.Underground car park.
• Surface: 4 750 m ²
• Cost: 12 309 000 € Excl. Tax.
• Timetable: Competition prize winner June 2007 – Opening Nov. 2012
• Engineer, economist: Mizrahi
• Acoustic designer: Tisseyre & Associés