Pierresvives
The pierresvives building for the department
de l’Herault is the unifi cation of three
institutions - the archive, the library and the
sports department - within a single envelope.
These various parts combine to create a
building with a strong single identity when
viewed at a distance, but as one moves
closer, the division into three parts becomes
apparent. The building has been developed
using functional and economic logic: the
resultant design reminiscent of a large
tree-trunk that has been laid horizontally.
The archive is located at the solid base of
the trunk, followed by the slightly more
porous library with the sports department
and its well-lit offi ces on far end where the
trunk bifurcates and becomes much lighter.
‘Branches’ project vertically off the main
trunk to articulate points of access to the
various institutions.
This longitudinal division of serviced and
servicing spaces is maintained along the
full length of pierresvives. The front of the
building contains all the public functions
of each institution, linked by a linear lobby
with an exhibition space in the centre.
Above this connective ground level, the
three institutions remain strictly separated,
each with its own core for internal vertical
circulation.
On arrival at the main entrance, visitors are
directed from the lobby to the educational
spaces of the archives on ground level; or via
lifts and escalator to the main public artery
on level one. This artery is articulated all
along the facades as a recessed glass strip,
with the reading rooms of the archive and
library are immediately accessible. Central in
this artery and therefore located at the heart
of the building, are the main public facilities
shared between the three institutions: the
auditorium and meeting rooms. These
important public spaces form the primary
central volume of the grand cantilevering
canopy above the entrance.
CREDITS
Architectural Design: Zaha Hadid
Project Architect: Stephane Hof
Local Architect:
Design Phase: Blue Tango
Execution Phase: Chabanne et Partenaires
Structure: Ove Arup & Partners
Services: Ove Arup & Partners (Concept Design) & GEC Ingenierie
Acoustics: Rouch Acoustique Nicolas Albaric
Cost: Gec LR, Ivica Knezovic
