Paris Nanterre, France : Translating a library's identity into its spaces, furnishings and graphic choices

How do you convey the spirit and personality of a library in its buildings, spaces, facilities and reception areas? How do you express the spirit and philosophy of a service in a graphic charter? Libraries have personalities that distinguish and characterize them. In France, after ten years of modernization of its spaces and services, and following building renovations, the central library of the Université Paris Nanterre and its network have developed their own spirit, which is guided by the library's strategic orientations. This “spirit” of the University Library of Paris Nanterre is expressed in its spaces through the choice of atmospheres, the layout of document areas, reading rooms, work and training rooms, welcoming areas, furniture and equipment, including in professional areas. I would like to show you how this strategic approach to openings and welcoming publics has gone far in its communication: the spirit of the university library is reflected right down to the choices made for the graphic charter and palette and its new directional signage, which takes up the identity of the library building (central library with contemporary architecture label; specialized network libraries). It also has an impact on the way in which the public is welcomed, which is at the heart of the library teams' thinking.