Lucien Rose Library

The library is part of the larger urban complex with housing. Its treatment as a completely separate building attests to its specific cultural purpose: it is a real ‘local library’ enhanced by its contemporary look, simple construction materials and elegant shape. And yet, with its setting on a slope, its stepped roof and rose garden, it blends naturally into this steep hillside. Its siting has opened up a new access to the overhanging Thabor Park, via a new 19th century wrought iron entrance gate from the old Oberthür printing works. Its interior design is in keeping with current practice. The predominant bare concrete grey colour that harmonises floor and walls is warmed by the clear bright orange of the video section and the clean lines of its agency-designed furnishings. The perforated metal ‘box’ ceiling admits a clean warm light via three roof openings. The entire building exudes the disembodied atmosphere of an art gallery.