Location: Bron, France.

Architect: AIA Life Designers.

The new Media Library in Bron, just a few minutes away from the center of Lyon by tram, is a strong symbol at the entrance of the city. It serves not only as an effective tool for culture and information, but also as a civic facility for the city and the Greater Lyon area. Designed as an extension of public space, its permeability allows for breathing room and spatial, cultural, and social connections. Its volume resembles a large, inhabited and penetrable sculpture, consisting of two elements: the first, a large open box, houses the interior space; the second, a semi-transparent veil, allows glimpses of life inside the library. A large gap invites visitors to enter, opening onto a central atrium that bathes the heart of the building in natural light and distributes all the functions of the facility. A half-level arrangement visually and spatially connects all the functions of the library. The floors are free and equivalent in size, allowing for flexibility and modularity.

Photo credit: Erick Saillet.