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Archi5: Mediatheque

Archi5 designed a strong cultural symbol for the Marsan urban area in the middle of the Bosquet barracks: a visible, distinctive building without being overpowering.

Mediatheque Mont de Marsan
The Media Library stands in the middle of the Bosquet barracks, and care has been taken to augment the dialogue with the place’s strong architectural whole.
With its clean envelope of pure geometric lines, a 60x60 meters square, the building complies with the classical layout yet contrasts with its austerity by offsetting the system with a corner opening onto the city.
  Archi5: Mediatheque
Archi5, Mediatheque, Mont de Marsan, France

Its facades reflect the surrounding barracks like a respectful, deferential mirror.

The building has been designed as a covered cultural square by making the facades transpa­rent and the floor uniform, also through its posi­tion in the middle of the barracks.

This design is read by extending the planted roof to make it seem to be hovering above the ground. The grassy incline that surrounds the building draws the eye upwards, then gives way to alternating transparent and reflecting glass facades.
Archi5, Mediatheque, Mont de Marsan, France
Archi5, Mediatheque, Mont de Marsan, France
The Media Library’s central location in the military drill yard inspired a building with four main sides, varying from one another by simply adapting to the direction they face. The Media Library confirms its identity from whate­ver angle it is viewed. At night it becomes a lantern that brings the square to life, turning it into an inviting, open and transparent space.
Archi5, Mediatheque, Mont de Marsan, France
Archi5, Mediatheque, Mont de Marsan, France
The interior space on the ground floor is completely open and centres around a patio, the design of which has been inspired by Matisse’s paintings of acanthus leaves, and the volumes of which recall Alvar Aalto’s vases.

The various functions are organised naturally on the open floor space, which maintains visual continuity and diffuses daylight evenly.

It is a place that provides a relaxed, contemplative atmosphere for its users.


Mediatheque Mont de Marsan, France
Program: Mediatheque and conference hall
Architects: Archi5 associated with Borja Huidobro
Client: Communauté d’agglomération du Marsan
Area: 4,750 sqm
Completion: 2012
Engineer, economist: Mizrahi
Acoustic designer: Tisseyre & Associés

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