OMA wins competition for new library in caen, france

'bibliothèque multimédia à vocation régionale (BMVR)' by OMA in caen, france
all images courtesy OMA


located in caen, france, the 'bibliothèque multimédia à vocation régionale (BMVR)'
is a major new library on the tip of the peninsula, and will be OMA's first cultural building
in france. led by OMA associate-in-charge clément blanchet, the firm's design surpassed five
other entries submitted by internationally-renowned competitors.

the 12,000 m2 building's design features four protruding wings that point towards four
of the city's landmarks: the abbeys 'abbaye-aux-dames' in the north and 'abbaye-aux-hommes'
in the east; the central train station to the south; and the site of proposed future developments
in the west. facilities include two intersecting reading rooms, which encourage maximum
interface between the programmed disciplines, which include human sciences, science and
technology, literature, and the arts.

'instead of having four distinct areas linked by bridges, space is structured along two
intersecting axes, creating a space of confluence for both knowledge and people.' -clément blanchet

the effects of these intersecting reading rooms translate to the exterior spaces as well:
the library opens up to a park, pedestrian pathway and waterfront plaza. the reading spaces
are accommodated with large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide views onto caen
as well as render the building transparent, making it an observatory of knowledge.

the design's sustainable approach responds to local climactic conditions to ensure energy efficiency.
shallow floor plans maximize available natural light, creating the ideal reading environment
crucial to a library.

'to build a library today is to believe in the future of our society, to acknowledge a desire to give
everyone the tools to participate in our information age. for caen and its surrounding region,
the library makes physical, embodies, this desire. the library symbolizes both the international
ambition of urban development and gives focus to the major renaissance of the peninsula.
the architectural quality and intellectual influence of the BMVR will make it a flagship
of its region.' -philippe duron, président communauté d'agglomération caen la mer

following the design of the acclaimed 'seattle central library' with REX in 2004,
OMA continues its extensive repertoire of libraries with this competition win.



day view from the water



night view



interior view