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Bibliotheque Alexis de tocqueville
LOCATION Caen, France |
CLIENT Communaute d'agglomération Caen La Mer |
YEAR 2010-2016 |
AREA 12,500 m² (3,781 pyeong) |
STATUS International Competition (First Place), Completed |
PROGRAM Public Library |
TEAM Sang Kim – Architect in charge of façade development and detailing during design development and construction documentation at OMA |
The Bibliothèque Alexis de Tocqueville in Caen, France, is a civic landmark strategically positioned between the city’s historical core and its developing areas. Its cross-shaped design connects the library to key landmarks, with each arm dedicated to a specific discipline—human sciences, science and technology, literature, and the arts. These zones converge in a central reading room, creating a dynamic balance between openness and density.
The ground floor extends the urban fabric, featuring a press kiosk, auditorium, exhibition space, and restaurant, all connected to the adjacent park and waterfront plaza. The upper floors house flexible workspaces, 120,000 physical and digital documents, and a children’s area, while the basement stores archives in secure, waterproofed conditions. The library integrates public and institutional functions, fostering interaction and accessibility within a contemporary architectural framework.
