Chevalier Morales

The renovation of the Pierrefonds Library addresses the need for communal spaces to offer a range of experiences for its users. Drawing inspiration from the spatial dynamics of shopping malls and parks, which encourage movement and circulation, the space features two indoor gardens, creative and relaxation zones, a café, and privileged access to the neighbouring Parc du Millénaire.

Bold and innovative, the project reflects the evolution of practices in the field of library science. Designed as a third space, the library serves as a hub for reflection and creation, where the various programs offered constantly dialogue. In a winged configuration, these programs converge toward a central space brimming with opportunities for exchange, interaction, and movement, stimulating the flow of ideas and knowledge. The thematic organization of the collections also maximizes the available space for shared central areas, offering users the flexibility to tailor their experience to their needs.

The space exudes an aura of lightness, enhanced by the radiant white walls, ceilings, and shelving, together with the cantilevered structure of the upper floor slab, which gracefully extends over most of the building’s perimeter. The new building’s exterior cladding envelops the existing façade of the old library, honouring its historical value in parallel with the revitalization of its facilities.