The proposed site was occupied by not only a number of beautiful oak and olive trees, but also some magnificent rocks. This made it a wonderful site, placing additional responsibility on the architect.

The principle of the project consists of preserving the landscape. A precise survey was drawn up of every tree and every rock. The shape of the building is deduced from these characteristic elements, which we were anxious to preserve. The building appears to float above the landscape, with as little impact on it as possible. In accordance with this avoidance strategy, its curves are designed to circumvent the trees and rocks. The building functions as the opposite of a presentation box, embracing the landscape the better to protect it.

A ramp leads users towards their special garden, thought out as a place for reading in the open air, while a summer bar slips into the space beneath the building to provide a shaded terrace. The underside of the building is designed as an area in its own right - a space facing the garden.

In the interior, the main feature is the fluidity of the space. There is abundant natural light, and the bays offer a choice of panoramic views. It is the elements of the site that produce the plasticity of this project, echoing the landscape by revealing its beauty.

Program: media library, reading areas, training workshops, display area, multi-purpose hall, garden/open-air media library, administrative offices 

Address: Roman road, 20137 Porto-Vecchio [Corsica]
Location using Google Maps: 41°35'04.0"N 9°16'52.3"E

Surface area: 1 200 sq.m. net floor area / 2805 sq.m. gross floor area / 1060 sq.m. usable floor area 
Cost: 4 500 000 euros, excluding taxes

Schedule: 
Competition: April 2016 
Design work: August 2016 - April 2018 (20 months) 
Site work: July 2018 
Delivery: 2021