Le Studium | Jean-Pierre Lott Architecte

THE SITE
The Studium project grew out of a desire on the part of the University of Strasbourg’s to equip itself with a different sort of building, at once a library and a student union building, in the vein of a Learning Centre. More than just a library, it is a third place, designed to foster sociability and sharing.

The building’s spaces also meet the expectations for current ways of working. Users require both formal and informal spaces. In addition to traditional reading rooms, they expect modular rooms with easy to move furniture as well as rooms dedicated to working in groups where silence is not required.

A SIGNAL BUILDING FOR THE CAMPUS
The project takes place at the interface between the historic centre and the Campus de l’Esplanade, the project marks the entrance to the campus from the city, being the first building visitors see. This exceptional urban situation, a given aspect of the project in addition to the brief itself, is a powerful signal in the cityscape, marking the presence of the university.

From an urban point of view, the project we propose has two faces: a largely transparent ground floor, inviting passers-by to enter the facility, resting atop which is the main body of the building, with its sinuous forms expressing lightness and movement. Beyond this image, the composition fulfils the requirements of the brief with regard to the spaces that comprise it. Thus, the transparent podium overlooking the public space offers a view of the ground floor, the lobby, the Student Union and the cafeteria. On the upper floors we find the rooms containing the stacks of the collections and reading rooms organised on two levels, where much attention is paid to details of comfort and fluidity – symbolised by the curves.

The architecture of the façade flows from the work on light control. The cantilevered floor blocks direct sunlight: large sunshades brise-soleils protect the glazed bays and filter natural light. Their orientation is based on course of the sun in order to ensure that each space is protected from direct sunlight, whilst guaranteeing the required amount of natural light and views overlooking the city. The great kinetic veils give the project its constantly changing forms. Depending on the natural light, the location in the building, whether it is daytime, or night time, the building’s appearance is transformed.

DATA SHEET
Le Studium
Program: University library, learning centre and the University of Strasbourg Press
Address: 2 Rue Blaise Pascal, 67000 Strasbourg
Client: Université de Strasbourg
Project management: Jean-Pierre Lott - Architecte, Louise Van Grieken (project manager)
Serue - Oasiis - Acoustb
Surface: 12 000 m²
Cost: €22,000,000 excl. VAT
Calendar: Delivered in October 2022
Photo credits: © Christophe Bourgeois