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Clermont-Ferrand Metropolitan Library

Proposed

Clermont-Ferrand Metropolitan Library

Exterior view ®Forbes Massie

Conceived both as a major new library and a social and creative hub in the heart of Clermont-Ferrand, the new city library will be the largest in the region.
The Clermont-Ferrand Metropolitan Library is
conceived both as a major new library and as a
social and creative hub in the heart of Clermont-
Ferrand, in the picturesque Puy de Dôme region,
famous for its chain of volcanoes. Set to be the
largest library in the city and the region, the worldclass
facility is planned to attract more than 500,000
visitors each year. A fine example of adaptive reuse,
the design reimagines the listed 18th century Hôtel-
Dieu hospital building and garden as an inclusive and
multifaceted cultural destination.
The three wings of the former hospital building will be
entirely restored and enhanced to house the library’s
extensive collection, reading and work rooms.
The centrepiece of this facility will be a double height
light-filled extension, inserted as a giant jewel box
into the horseshoe shape of the historic building.
Conceived as a free space for research, discovery and
dialogue, its transparent architecture will link earth
and sky, books and people, building and garden, the
historic city and the distinctive presence of the Puy de
Dôme on the horizon.
Literally rooted in the volcanic strata of the city, craterlike
subterranean gathering and performance space
will animate the central forum and relate to the myriad
of caves and chambers beneath the building. Above,
a partially glazed roof supported by a large timber
structure will create a canopy over the space.
Inspired by the unique geology of the area, locally
sourced volcanic stone and volcanic ash and
aggregate for low carbon embodied rammed concrete
will form a key part of the material palette. To further
reinforce the presence of nature in the city, the
library will boast a large lecture garden embed in the
surrounding landscape.

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Project information

Status

Proposed

Borough

* N/A Outside of London

Size

11000 sq m

Completion

January 2024

Team Credits

Client

Clermont Auvergne Métropole

Lead Architect

Stanton Williams

Associate Architect

Marcillon Thuilier Architectes

Heritage Architect

Covalence

Landscape Architect

MOZ Paysage

Structural and Facade Engineers

Eckersley O’Callaghan

M&E & Sustainability Engineers

Louis Choulet Ingenierie

Acoustic Consultant

Salto Ingenierie

Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager

Betrec Ingenierie

Signage

LMpolymago

Theatre Consultant

CLE Millet International

Listed by

Stanton Williams

Last updated on

16/07/2021

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