Media library in Neulise
The media library is a limpid, functional and aesthetic building organized around a garden. Its privileged location opposite the town hall and its integration in the heart of a global reflection on the neighborhood makes it a key building in the commune of Neulise in the Loire, not far from Roanne.
The multimedia library is a U-shaped building along the Old Road and facing the town hall. The heart of the U shape is a garden with diverse atmospheres and functions; the body of the U harmoniously distributes the functions of the program. The traffic lane and the access for loading of bookmobiles are also integrated into the project, on the plot. Not only a media library, it is also a venue for theater and concert halls.
The entrance for the public is in the center of the building and comes directly to the Old Way and the square. It is clearly distinguished by its large windows and the awning that accompanies it. The lobby is a large and bright space. Its height is important and 4 big chandeliers are hung there.
The reception, formalized by a steel bank facing the entrance, indicates to the visitors the two directions to take: on the right in the direction of the plan, the municipal library and on the left, the departmental media library.
We wanted to link two spaces belonging to each of these aforementioned two entities in the hall so as to be able to offer additional guidance and flexibility. This is the meeting room and story time that are adjoining to each other, and with the garden by removable panels. This modularity makes it possible to transform the space into an open auditorium on the inside or outside.
The building is characterized by the nobility, high quality and purity of materials that are used in their raw state. The main facades are composed of thick panels in raw light stone, adjusted on the sides but not on the face. The steel, treated against erosion, is left untreated. Some walls are made of raw concrete. Natural zinc roofs play an important role in the building as they allow natural light throughout the building through glazed sheds, thus reducing electricity consumption for lighting. The project, HQE, also has 250m² of photovoltaic panels. The interior volumes have clean forms and are light colored.
The garden is the lung of the building. It is omnipresent. All the public spaces open on him. It is composed with embankments and plays with the differences of ground level. The small amphitheater is sheltered from the sun on the south side by arborescent plantations. A Zen garden with light pebbles borders the reading spaces. This HQE (high environmental quality) project is environmentally friendly and meets the BBC label