Bibliotheque Ste. Genevieve (Paris, France)
Center reading space of the Bibliotheque Nationale The Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, France, is known for its grand collection of international printed material. Founded by Charles V (1368), the building underwent multiple revisions and renovations throughout history. With over ten million titles, the collection contains a variety of prints from arts, law, economics, language, literature, science, technology, humanities, philosophy and more. The library also contains over 5,000 Greek manuscripts. The 19,000 square-foot library is constructed with several materials. Masonry, iron, terra-cotta and steel create the composition of the building. Its neoclassical exterior impression emphasizes order, and a sense of government power. The heavy horizontal cladding axes are complimented by the vertical nature of the arcade. With a play of depth on the facade, the skin is further defined by the writing on the walls. All these elements contribute to the envelope system which ...