A new media library on Réunion Island brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘eye-opening’, with enormous socket-shaped openings staring out from the structure’s facade towards the Indian Ocean.

French architects Peripheriques are the team behind the unorthodox structure, located in the island’s French commune St Paul. Irregularly placed gaps across the exterior are intended to resemble eyes seeking knowledge and information from the collection of films and literature stored within.

Similarly, the undulating lines of steel cladding, which allow for natural ventilation throughout the building, reflect the library's purpose as a place of learning. David Trottin, one of the project's architects, told CLAD the exteriors evoke “ruled pages, piles of magazines, stacks of discs, piles of pictures, the sedimentation of maps and the stratification of hard drive layers.”

“All these objects contain data and hold mysteries expected to be discovered,” he added. "We wanted to echo this vocabulary through a strong and surprising aesthetic that combines with the astonishing natural surroundings – enhancing the sea view, the mountain view and the city view all at once.”

Inside, ceilings designed by graphic designer Michal Batory use texts, pictures, sketches and patterns to further develop the cultural atmosphere of the building, which is also being considered as a space for teaching music, dance and theatre. Other facilities include a café, restaurant, conference hall, entertainment zone, plus a sound and image centre.

The facility is expected to promote urban regeneration in the city’s downtown, where it stands as a new cultural landmark.

It is surrounded by new green space, created by landscape architects Zone UP, which has “totally cleaned up an area in vital need of development.” The park is filled with tall trees and tropical canopies providing a shady walkway into the centre.

“The garden is an organic ornament, surrounding the building and slipping into the interior spaces,” said Trottin. “The whole project symbolises a journey towards culture and knowledge. Our centre is providing local people with the opportunity to be together and to learn, to read and to be closer to the arts.”