Projects / Culture

Projects / Culture

Multimedia library and play library

Thouars

Construction of an intercity multimedia library
in the city centre of Thouars

Client
Communauté de Communes du Thouarsais
Architect
Atelier Cambium + Deshoulières Jeanneau
Design team
ATES (structural engineering), YAC Ingénierie (MEP, fire safety, environmental quality), ITAC (acoustics), Cabinet Maret & Associés (QS), ScenographiCC (stage designer), Sogno Architecture (FF&E)
Image credits
RUA Representing Unbuilt Architecture
Victor Lepage
Location
Thouars (79), France
Programme
Construction of an intercommunal multimedia library
Surface area
1,640 m2
Construction costs
4.8M€ pre-tax
Schedule
2022 - 2025
Status
Under construction

As one of the main thoroughfares in Thouars, the rue Porte de Paris had begun to lose its lustre in the last several years, as is happening in many similarly sized cities across France. The decision by the community of municipalities in the Thouarsais to place a multimedia library here very much emblematises their intent to reinvigorate this thoroughfare after having built a movie theatre and an adjoining square. Intended as a future centre for the city and its surrounding area, the multimedia library functions as a third place; above and beyond providing access to books, it seeks to be a space for socialisation and mediation, in synergy with the city’s other cultural facilities, including the Chapelle Jeanne d’Arc contemporary arts centre.

The multimedia library subtly inserts itself into the existing built space, reforming the line of continuous façades along the rue Porte de Paris. It also created an alleyway and gardens within the centre of the plot. 

Construction

To preserve the character of the downtown area, we made every effort to preserve the heritage façades. Diagnostics and structural studies were conducted to assess their condition and prepare for their restoration during the construction phase.

Façades and

sections

The old façades (especially Société Générale) are set in a metal mesh that also wraps the multimedia library like a ribbon.

Plan

The ground-floor space, reserved to the public, unfolds organically, including the old façades and contracting in places to form patios and gardens for reading. 

The transparent façades dissipate to allow the interior spaces to extend towards the reading garden.

The materials were selected to give the ensemble of interior spaces a sober, elegant, and coherent ambiance: light-grey quartz concrete floors, light-coloured wood gates, large windows and metal joinery. 

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