This proposal is propelled by an impetus to preserve the existing neo-classical setting of the university buildings and the library within the historic landscape of Parc des Bastions. In order to realise this, the extension nestles inconspicuously within the plaza’s boundaries having minimal visual impact on the surrounding landscape. At the same time, it increases the library’s usable space and restores the sense of openness that characterised the Salève wing until 1937, reinstating the building’s original glory.

The proposal inverts the university’s iconic edifice – an underground building that integrates the existing ensemble and facilitates uninterrupted views of the park. The building’s green roof extends the existing plaza’s circulation while enhancing views of the neoclassical buildings and ensuring that the boulevard to the north is experienced in its entirety.

Programmatic requirements are accommodated in a four-storey volume beneath the green roof, while the current library building is freed up as a public lobby and reading zone. Vertical circulation is enabled by a discrete ramp on its western edge and service core in the existing cut-outs on the plaza’s southern side. The extension becomes an essential public link between the central building, the Salève, and the Jura wings. The first level serves as a public concourse with wide-stepped access from the boulevard and can host a range of public programmes. This level, naturally lit by lightwells, provides adaptable spaces for individuals to work, gather, focus and relax. The plaza is raised to increase volume on the underground level and enable universal access to all existing buildings on the ground floor.

The bottom levels of the extension house the archives and extensive storage depositories. They are carefully organised and lit along the periphery through lightwells. These underground levels are directly connected to the floors of the existing library building. A natural resonance is established within the context through the structural rhythm of the extension that is derived from the existing ensemble.

The ground floor of the Salève wing spills onto the plaza and houses the reception, lounge, café and bookstore. the upper floors are freed up for reading, working and referencing spaces. Internal partitions and mezzanine slabs added after 1937 that compartmentalise the inner spaces and disrupt the interior rhythm are removed to restore the free flow of spaces. The first floor’s grand double volume is also recreated with plenty of natural light flooding the interiors.

This proposal ushers a new era of inclusivity and autonomy for the site by improving public areas and addressing the functional needs of the library without marring its historic significance. A seamless transition is established between built area and landscape. The raised plaza, lightwells and modulating terrain constitute the vocabulary of the humble intervention. The depth of experience of this architectural work is realised in the inversion of the edifice.