paris mediatheque: bachelor of arts final year project

This project explores the idea of a landscape building within an urban park in Paris.

A form has been created through the ‘peeling back’ of the parks skin and by the placement of a volume underneath it, much like a person pulling back a duvet and getting into bed. This skin extends beyond the roof and forms part of the park, drawing the movement of people up and over the building.

The external form as well as the interior environment changes as the sun follows its daily path with the semi-transparent roof filtering light into the mediatheque creating light and warmth.

As you enter into the depths of the building ‘dark’ spaces are created which house the digital media facilities. The sensation of being in the underground darkness contrasts with the light airiness of the traditional library sections.

"I tutored Christopher for the last project in his third year and he was outstanding.

The concepts and ideas personally promoted were enough for the whole studio. He was therefore the catalyst for the group. He demonstrated a mature understanding of the challenge of the programme and his approach was intelligent and brave.

The models he used to comprehend the spaces and junctions were exceptional and his exploration of options and variations were both sensitive and rigorous".

Professor Sir Colin Stansfield-Smith