Médiathèque Jean Macé, quartier Borny

The heritage building renovation of the Jean‑Macé Media Library in the Borny district in the city of Metz carries strong symbolic, social, and cultural significance. The library architect defined and connected the generous forecourt to the public square and a landscaped central courtyard. The project prioritizes spatial legibility, acoustic quality and thermal comfort, reaffirming the site as a civic catalyst for culture and community.

Following the 2023 fire that destroyed the original media library, the library architect is guiding the reconstruction of the media library architecture by three principles: openness to the Borny community, architectural clarity and durability, and a focus on comfort and quality. These foundations transform a site of loss into an inclusive civic landmark promoting safety, accessibility and shared identity.

An expansive forecourt, aligned with the axis of the adjacent square, reinstates the building’s urban frontage and reinforces its dialogue with the district. Co‑designed with residents, the library architect uses this transitional civic space to form the media library’s first threshold — an open, adaptable ground for social interaction and public events.

Respecting the original footprint, the library architect articulates a restrained and enduring architecture through the use of locally sourced materials emblematic of Metz. Jaumont limestone combined with pigmented architectural concrete lends the building a sense of solidity and permanence.

From the forecourt, a fully glazed façade reveals the library’s interior life, projecting openness and civic vitality. Inside, natural materials — local timber and rich textiles —combined with refined acoustic and lighting design, evoke a domestic sense of comfort. At its core, a landscaped courtyard introduces daylight, vegetation and seasonal change, establishing a biophilic environment that nurtures well‑being and collective engagement.