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Mediatheque, Paris

Part 1 Project 2003
Natalie Skeete
 University of Portsmouth | UK
The driving force behind the Parc Villemin Mediatheque project is the consistent integration of the two site sections. The project recognises the necessity to ‘zoom’ in and out at differing scales and therefore allows for the detail to be explored as well as incorporating wider landscape.

The mediatheque itself and the associated housing project, form a discursive relationship due to their location and proximity. Connecting them together is an external performance space that allows for, a concealed link to the internal performance space at the centre of the mediatheque and for the housing, to overlook the space itself.

During daylight, the mediatheque appears as a heavy, basalt clad cube sitting monumentally, on a fragile sea of glass.



The oblectives of the project were to challenge students to respond sensitively to a complex urban context. Skeete took account of the canalside location using a sesitively designed object building that created a 'marker'in the park, drawing both local community and passing commuters (the site is close to Gare de l'Est) to the mediateque thus enlivening the park and under-used canal edge.
Tutor(s)
Dr Nelson Zzzzzzzzzz
2003
The site sections of Parc Villemin are recognised as being the driving force for the whole project
Much of the activity within the Mediatheque is seen from canal level but not from park level.
It is important to recognise the impact of a mediatheque on this site - visitors could be travelling from far- a - field
The Parc Villemin Theatre - with a steady population and increasing number of commuters, the theatre would generate life and employment to a disadvantaged part of Paris.
Connection to the park.
Visit the Hitchcock exhibition @ the Parc Villemin Mediatheque
Concept ideas - at this stage, it was important to recognise how a mediatheque could relate back to Paris and how it could be beneficial to the future.
Housing Scheme overlooking the park
Ground Floor Plan - the film auditorium at its centre
The reception Space gives a feel of the spatial qualities the mediatheque can offer
Parc Villemin - 10th Arrondisement, Paris
1st floor Plan at park level
2nd and 3rd floor plans - the form of the mediatheque is ideal for study purposes and therefore means that much of the site can be left untouched
Housing Plans- it is typical in Paris to find shops at ground floor level. Although this is a modern housing scheme, much of the Parisian lifestyle can still be captured
An urban strategy was essential for the beginning stages of the project. Once the issues of the site were underlined, it became easier to locate the mediatheque, housing scheme and external performance spaces.
Key to floor plans
Site Model- Parc Villemin with the proposed housing and Mediatheque
Urban detail- Three strategical parts of the scheme detailed to identify the need to develop other parts of the park - A canal pavillion (one of a series of canal stops), a series of courtyards and a screenprinted glazed gateway at the park entrance
East - west section: from canal level to park level
north - south site section: the mediatheque as a tree of knowledge
• Page Hits: 2878         • Entry Date: 23 July 2003         • Last Update: 23 July 2003