ALA Architects wins new library project in Lyon

The new learning centre will be ALA Architects’ second major library project following the recently opened Helsinki Central Library Oodi.

ALA Architects’ winning design will have approximately 12 000 square metres of floorspace and replace the existing university library. The new building will include library functions, teaching and study spaces, meeting and workshop rooms, and an exhibition space and a café.

Building success

The enclosed lower floor will contain event and working facilities, archival storage areas and the café. The upper floor, lined with glass walls, will house the main reading room and collaborative work spaces, while the mezzanine-like third floor will have smaller and larger study and reading areas.

Four teams took part in the competition to design the new building on the 16 000-student Porte des Alpes campus in Lyon. The overall budget for the project is 39 million euros, with construction scheduled to start at the end of 2019.

ALA Architects collaborated on the proposal with French firms Nicolas Favet Architectes, Mayot & Toussaint, Guadriplus Groupe, Theatre Projects Consultants and Olivier Tacheau.