The library is built on the same principle as shopping malls. Its routes and public areas encourage visitors to stay here for a long time.

”The planning strategy of this high—tech library was inspired by the pragmatic efficiency of shopping malls, train stations and airports,” the architects say. They studied store layouts and even master plans of entire districts, found their shortcomings and identified the ideal route formula that allows visitors to stay in the building longer.

Chevalier Morales architects made several nodal points in the building. As a rule, in shopping malls they are topped with large skylights that let in light. In addition, they used a circulation network with many entrances forcing visitors to go certain routes, and also designed wings merging into a central space.

But instead of parking, which usually surrounds such centers, the architects used green spaces. One day, looking through the old master plans of the Pierrefonds-Rosborough district, they came across drawings with an idealized park divided into different zones depending on age groups and types of activities. Having delved into their study, the bureau decided to lay out an internal garden so that nature could penetrate into all the spaces of the library. 

The forms and materials of the building are intentionally simple to emphasize the beauty of the landscape and books. The dominant white color is a neutral canvas on which the shades of nature change throughout the day. It also reflects and multiplies natural light coming through huge windows, an internal garden, a transparent roof and numerous skylights, allowing the library to remain bright even in cloudy weather.

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