Article source: Richard+Schoeller architectes 

Implanted in the inner city of Grenay (Pas-de-Calais, France), the media library offers the municipality with a cultural equipment designed to answer the need of population. The project is located at a triangular crossroad between three old mining conglomerations which used to constitute the town. The immediate urban fabric is mainly composed of pavilions and it was essential to the contractor that this location become the centre of Grenay. Before conceiving the project, the cultural team visited several European libraries. Dutch facilities and their organization of light and numerical comfort particularly caught their attention. A substantial part of the building was lifted in order to offer a view on the horizon and preserve a transparency toward the south of the city. The ground floor is thus alleviated and the visitor’s curiosity aroused by both the interiors and the light which filters through vertical slots. The entrance of the library and its general configuration contains no obstacles The smooth roof allows visitors to park their bikes underneath, meet, discuss and share ideas. The acoustics provide calm and serenity and it is possible for the readers to isolate themselves in multiple spaces which merge as a cluster toward the reception.

Image Courtesy © Sergio Grazia

• Architects: Richard+Schoeller architectes
• Project: Public Library in Estaminet
• Location: Rue Jules Guesdes – Grenay (Pas de Calais), France
• Photography: Sergio Grazia
• Software used: Vectorworks, C4D + Vray
• Client: Mayor of Grenay
• Surface: 2500 m2
• Cost all include: 5 M€
• Year: 2014 -15

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