Location: Lyon, France.

Architect: AFAA Architecture.

The library-mediathèque was built in 1970 by architect Perrin-Fayolle and marked the end of the urban development project of Part-Dieu, which was oriented away from the freight station. 30 years later, the neighborhood has expanded beyond its historical railway limits, with the TGV station becoming a full-fledged entrance to the city. The creation of the East entrance addresses this issue and finally provides a true public entrance to this 25,000 m² cultural facility. Architecturally, the entrance volume is treated as a “geometry and texture shard” in the mineral universe of high-rise buildings on Boulevard Vivier-Merle. The base of the triangle welcomes the user on the square, inviting them to enter through a large transparent surface of 100 m². The stainless steel scale facade varies with the daylight. The interior volume, sculpted in the concrete structure, constitutes a walk towards the historical heart of the building. A museographic exhibition room enriches the programming of the place.

Photo credit: Didier Boy de la Tour / AFAA.