Institut Français Library

Playle & Partners LLP Architecture and Principal Designer teams were appointed in March 2016 by Cosmur Construction to undertake the design development and construction delivery of the refurbishment of the Institut Francais Library and respective offices in South Kensington, London.

Founded in 1910, the Institut français du Royaume-Uni comprises of a multi-media library, the Ciné lumière, a language centre and the French bistro, welcoming 200,000 people each year. The Institut Français du Royaume-Uni are part of the Institut Français worldwide network promoting French language and culture and encouraging cross-cultural exchange and cultural diversity.

Playle & Partners LLP took a lead role in the development of design proposals for all architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical elements, including the selection of products and materials. The project included a replacement lift to access all floors of the library, which in turn required extensive structural work to the existing building. The existing footprint of the building could not be expanded, and creative design solutions were required in order to create the additional shelf space required for the library’s extensive collection.

The Institut is dedicated to helping people learn and discover new aspects of French culture. The French Library forms an import part of bringing French language and culture to London. FG Library Services worked alongside the team, using their expertise to develop a scheme that is affordable within the budget for the project in conjunction with the overall vision.