The new media library in the French municipality of Sierentz by drlw architectes: old and new symbolically united. Interview with architect Denis Dietschy.
Originally, the municipality of Sierentz only wanted to convert an old barn into a tri-national media library with the “Domaine Haas” IBA project. But that was just the beginning. In the meantime, the municipality of Sierentz has linked the Domaine Haas with two other IBA projects, making it the starting point for an urban planning study. Initially, however, the focus was on the Haas family’s property – a farm including a mill and botanical garden – and the new media library. We find out from lead architect Denis Dietschy how drlw architectes managed the balancing act between old and new and what symbolism the new structures have.
Denis Dietschy, the media library at Domaine Haas in Sierentz was built in 2014. What role did drlw architectes play in the project?
The media library didn’t exist before our architectural intervention. But to understand our role as architects, we have to look at the Domaine Haas as a whole: It is located in the center of the village, along the river. It is an old farm, consisting of an old mill and a botanical garden, which was owned by the Haas family for several generations until they decided to give the property to the municipality. In return, they demanded that the municipality would not convert the site into housing, but instead integrate the estate into an existing school project. The municipality therefore undertook to respect the existing site and to develop public facilities on it.
Several generations? The Domaine Haas seems to have a long history …
The area does indeed have a long history, and this is very important for the project. The Domaine Haas is a former manor house. At the time, the manor houses belonged to wealthy families who established themselves along the streams to build mills. When we were working on the project, it was important to us to record its history. We wanted to show that history doesn’t always have to end. Building this modern building in the heart of the village was an extraordinary adventure.
So you built a new media library for the community with drlw architectes?
Exactly, we reused the barn and stables that were already there. We opened up the existing building and built a very modern glass extension right next to it. A pedestrian bridge connects the two buildings and embodies the link between past and present. A school was also recently built on the site.
Meeting place in the heart of the village
What do you mean by the link between past and present?
We have completely restructured the old building. You could say that we have accommodated children and young people in the new part, while the older part is intended for adults. The two buildings are connected by the pedestrian bridge, which acts as a mediator of history – very symbolic architecture in other words.
How has this been received by the community?
The media library is doing very well. The location is used by many people and the media library has become an integral part of the village. This is also due to the fact that we designed it as an open place that is at the heart of the village. Many people come here to spend time or just to have a coffee. The media library not only serves as a meeting place for the municipality of Sierentz, but also for the surrounding villages.
“It’s not just French or Alsatian people.”
How does the media library fit into the tri-national region?
Sierentz should contribute to the attractiveness of the Basel region. The region is home to many inhabitants, most of whom work in the Basel area. This creates a cultural mix. I find it exciting that the media library can be a place of written and oral exchange between these different cultures.
Has the tri-national aspect of the project influenced your architecture?
Yes, in terms of symbolism. We have created an open space that respects the past while being open to the future. It’s a meeting place for all the people who live in the region. It’s not just French or Alsatian. All these villages in the border region are now home to people from all over.
Why have we started an IBA Basel series? You can read about it here.
