OMA wins competition for new library in caen, france

‘bibliothèque multimédia à vocation régionale (BMVR)’ by OMA in caen, france all images courtesy OMA

located in caen, france, the ‘bibliothèque multimédia à vocation régionale (BMVR)’ is a major new library on the tip of the peninsula, and will be OMA‘s first cultural building in france. led by OMA associate-in-charge clément blanchet, the firm’s design surpassed five other entries submitted by internationally-renowned competitors.

the 12,000 square meter design features four protruding wings that point towards four of the city’s landmarks: the abbeys ‘abbaye-aux-dames’ in the north and ‘abbaye-aux-hommes’ in the east; the central train station to the south; and the site of proposed future developments in the west. facilities include two intersecting reading rooms, which encourage maximum interface between the programmed disciplines, which include human sciences, science and technology, literature, and the arts.

day view from the water

‘instead of having four distinct areas linked by bridges, space is structured along two intersecting axes, creating a space of confluence for both knowledge and people.’ – clément blanchet

the effects of these intersecting reading rooms translate to the exterior spaces as well: the library opens up to a park, pedestrian pathway and waterfront plaza. the reading spaces are accommodated with large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide views onto caen as well as render the building transparent, making it an observatory of knowledge. the design’s sustainable approach responds to local climactic conditions to ensure energy efficiency. shallow floor plans maximize available natural light, creating the ideal reading environment crucial to a library.

night view

‘to build a library today is to believe in the future of our society, to acknowledge a desire to give everyone the tools to participate in our information age. for caen and its surrounding region, the library makes physical, embodies, this desire. the library symbolizes both the international ambition of urban development and gives focus to the major renaissance of the peninsula. the architectural quality and intellectual influence of the BMVR will make it a flagship of its region.’ – philippe duron, président communauté d’agglomération caen la mer

interior view