Maison du Livre, de l'Image et du Son, Media library in Villeurbanne, France
The Maison du Livre, de l'Image et du Son is a media library housed in a white cubic building with geometric patterns that rises across five floors. The interior is organized around a central glass pyramid that distributes natural light throughout the space.
This media library opened in 1988 as part of a cultural development initiative led by President Mitterrand, with architect Mario Botta designing the structure. The facility was created to strengthen access to cultural resources in the region.
The institution houses an art library containing 1,800 contemporary artworks from 700 artists, including pieces by Arman and Keith Haring.
Visitors can access extensive collections of books, music, films, and digital resources distributed across different levels of the building. The facility includes dedicated spaces for children and areas where visitors can explore multimedia activities.
The building features an innovative design element: a vertical glass prism that channels light from above down through all five floors. This structural feature is notable not just for its architectural design but also for how it naturally illuminates the interior year-round.
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