Architect: Jean-Pierre Lott
Area: 3,990 m² net floor area
Year: 2016
Photography: Aldo Amoretti
Construction: Icade
Engineering Consultants: OTEIS, OASIIS, ACOUSTB
Environmental Certification: BDM Building, Silver level
Client: City of Vitrolles
Client representative: Icade
Location: Vitrolles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Vitrolles Media Library, a cultural project designed by Jean-Pierre Lott in Vitrolles, symbolizes the renewal of the town center. Located in the Les Pins district, the library features a dual façade with a transparent ground floor inviting entry and an upper floor with a veil of white concrete expressing movement and lightness. Completed to revitalize an area marked by rapid urbanization, the library enhances community engagement through its innovative design and architectural elegance.
The Vitrolles Media Library, designed by Jean-Pierre Lott and situated in the heart of the Les Pins district, signifies a major step in revitalizing the town center. During the urban expansion of the 1960s, Vitrolles transformed from a quaint Provençal village with about a thousand residents into a bedroom community dominated by uninspired apartment buildings. This development pattern mirrors many suburban areas near major metropolises.
The media library project features a distinctive dual façade: the ground floor, which aligns with the street, boasts a full glass exterior wall, inviting visitors inside. In contrast, the upper floor presents a flowing veil of white concrete with lattice-like openings, symbolizing movement and lightness. The strength of this design lies in the juxtaposition of these two contrasting elements.
Offering pedestrians clear views of the entrance, exhibition spaces, café, and auditorium, the transparent base integrates the building seamlessly with its surroundings. The upper floor extends over the sidewalk, allowing sunlight to flood the areas where books and materials are accessed. The reading rooms, designed with a focus on fluidity and light, have minimal openings on the south-facing façade, with primary light sources placed on the north end to ensure uniform lighting quality.
Changing forms depending on the light and viewing angle throughout the day and night, the building’s dynamic veil gives the media library a constantly evolving appearance.
The children’s section is situated on the ground floor, directly linked to the reception area and open space. Defined by the furnishings, this area benefits from a central light well that ensures ample illumination. An exterior garden extends the room, providing children with opportunities for outdoor activities. Hovering above the reception area, the “fairy tale hour” room, shaped like a star, serves as a place for dreaming and storytelling, forming a central point in the design.
Housing the fiction section and documentation center, Level 1 features an open space connected by a grand staircase leading to elegant corridors. The adaptable open floor plan allows for flexible furniture placement, while large light wells on the north end provide conducive lighting for reading. Level 2 contains the internal services linked to the reading floors, accessible via a dedicated service elevator.
As a hub for knowledge and learning, the Vitrolles Media Library also stands as a landmark of modern architecture. It successfully integrates functional spaces with aesthetic appeal, catering to the community’s educational and cultural needs. The thoughtful layout and material choices reflect Jean-Pierre Lott’s vision of creating a dynamic and inviting public space.
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Project Location
Address: 1 Place de la Liberté, Avenue des Salyen, 13127 Vitrolles, France
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
