steel blades envelope media library by opus 5 architectes

steel blades envelope media library by opus 5 architectes
photo © luc boegly
all images courtesy of opus 5 architectes

paris-based office opus 5 architectes has completed a ‘media library’ located in western france. the building is oriented in three directions, presenting different views of the structure to the surrounding area. forming a retreat away from the city, the center offers a peaceful and tranquil environment where guests can read privately or engage in collaborative work.

the building is oriented in three directions, presenting contrasting views and sightlines
photo © luc boegly

composed of three different layers, daylight filters into every part of the scheme, animating internal spaces with a playful juxtaposition of light and shade. the outermost envelope is a screen made from steel blades, which not only blur the division between internal and external space, but also provide the visitor with a feeling of protection and serenity. next, a glazed box shelters the lobby and its adjacent reading areas, with a third opaque layer enclosing the store rooms – identified as the building’s ‘treasure’.

forming a retreat away from the city, the center offers a peaceful and tranquil environment
photo © luc boegly

the structure is crafted from many carefully designed elements, creating contrasting rhythms, frames and sightlines – this fragmented construction allows the project to seem light and ethereal. a series of 62 steel crossbars – covered by thermo lacquered metal sheets – are lined up across both the inside and outside of the library, while a mezzanine is extended across the whole length of the building. two vast pebbles placed at the threshold of the complex form enclosed spaces where visitors are able to withdraw from the outside world.

two vast pebbles placed at the threshold of the complex form enclosed spaces into which visitors are able to withdraw
photo © bruno decaris

a series of 62 steel crossbars are lined up across both the inside and outside of the library
photo © luc boegly

the center offers a tranquil environment where guests can read privately or engage in collaborative work
photo © luc boegly

the media library in its riverside location
photo © luc boegly

1/11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

project owner: ville de pontivy
project management: opus 5 architectes, structural engineer batiserf, fluids engineer louis cholet, acoustic engineer impedance, economist bureau michel forgue
program: construction of a media library and public archives
area: 2,700 sqm
cost of works: 5.2m€ ht
schedule: delivery september 2013