Media Library, Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, France | 2022, Luis Masia Massoni, Spain

Architects: CALMM architecture, Archi5 (Lead architect)
Design team: CALMM architecture
Client: Coeur Essonne agglomeration & SORGEM
Photographer: Rodrigo Apolaya

In order to keep the relation with its surrounding environment, the media library is integrated into the urban space and becomes the interface between architecture and landscape. The pure geometry of the building, based on a rectangular shape, respects the urban context. In contrast, two vertical flights express a diagonal that draws attention to the building's accesses.
The building works as an open cultural square highlighted by the transparency of the ground floor facades. Nature and light enter the heart of the building through the courtyards, which are also located on the diagonal that connects the two high points of the volume.

Plywood paneling covers the interior walls, with the exception of an exposed concrete wall, positioned to take advantage of its thermal inertia. On the upper floor, the perforated facade filters the light and ensures privacy for the working spaces while guaranteeing a visual connection with the trees outside.