The central media library at Béziers, named after the French writer and Culture Minister André Malraux, is the work of Jean-Michel Wilmotte’s Paris studio. This large cultural container is part of the Paul Valéry University of Montpellier. The media library was opened in September 2008 and is built on a site formerly occupied by an old army barracks. It is housed in an imposing building formed by three glass and pale stone monoliths; the central section is on 4 floors, with 3-storey wings gathered around a central garden.
Photo credits: Paolo Lorenzi
119x59.4 cm slabs of ELEGANCE porcelain stoneware were chosen to floor the large reception area, in perfect assonance with the materials used outdoors. An environment that feels natural, comfortable and bright has been created by combining this stone, inspired by limestone from Antalya, the most prestigious marble of Asia Minor, with wood furniture and distinctive brushwork. The warm hues and delicate veined patterns enhance the brightness of the large central area.