Collège du Léman Library + LRC
Working with Collège du Léman, we reimagined the school library as a light-filled learning environment that supports collaboration, quiet focus, and student wellbeing across the school community.
Collège du Léman partnered with Noble+Eaton to redesign its library and learning resource centre, creating a modern environment that supports collaboration, independent study, and student wellbeing. Through a research-led design process and close collaboration with the school community, the project introduced flexible learning zones, carefully considered acoustics, and a calm contemporary aesthetic. The result is a vibrant space where students gather to study, work together, and spend time throughout the school day.
“It feels like a new chapter — a breath of fresh air in an old, familiar environment.
Having a beautiful space to work in actually helps you feel good about yourself.”
Ashley Penrose
English and Drama Teacher at Collège du Léman
The Vision
Perched high within the campus with views across Lake Geneva and the Alps, the library at Collège du Léman has always been a remarkable space. Together with the school, the project focused on unlocking the full potential of this environment and shaping it into a learning resource centre that supports the many ways students learn today.
The ambition was to create a space that encourages focus, collaboration, and wellbeing while reflecting the school’s strong sense of community. Through workshops and discussions with staff and students, the project team explored how the library could better support independent study, group work, and moments of quiet reflection.
Natural light quickly emerged as one of the defining strengths of the space. The library’s elevated position and expansive windows provide exceptional daylight and views across the surrounding landscape. By opening sightlines and reorganising the interior layout, the design allows this natural light to flow more freely through the space, creating an environment that supports reading, concentration, and calm.
The ambition was to create a space that encourages focus, collaboration, and wellbeing while reflecting the school’s strong sense of community. Through workshops and discussions with staff and students, the project team explored how the library could better support independent study, group work, and moments of quiet reflection.
Natural light quickly emerged as one of the defining strengths of the space. The library’s elevated position and expansive windows provide exceptional daylight and views across the surrounding landscape. By opening sightlines and reorganising the interior layout, the design allows this natural light to flow more freely through the space, creating an environment that supports reading, concentration, and calm.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The redesigned library introduces a layered environment that supports a wide range of learning activities. Instead of functioning as a single study hall, the space now offers distinct zones that allow students to choose how and where they work.
The lower level forms the collaborative heart of the library. Here, shared tables and flexible seating encourage students to work together on projects, hold discussions, or gather between lessons. The furniture arrangements allow the space to adapt easily to different group sizes while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere.
Above, the mezzanine provides a quieter environment dedicated to focused study. Individual study carrels and long work tables create areas where students can concentrate on independent work while still remaining connected to the wider library.
Furniture was carefully selected to support flexibility and comfort. Polymorphic seating arrangements allow students to move and reshape the space according to their needs, giving them a greater sense of ownership over how they learn.
Acoustic considerations were equally important. Materials and layouts were chosen to reduce ambient noise and echo so that the space remains calm and productive even when it is busy.
The lower level forms the collaborative heart of the library. Here, shared tables and flexible seating encourage students to work together on projects, hold discussions, or gather between lessons. The furniture arrangements allow the space to adapt easily to different group sizes while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere.
Above, the mezzanine provides a quieter environment dedicated to focused study. Individual study carrels and long work tables create areas where students can concentrate on independent work while still remaining connected to the wider library.
Furniture was carefully selected to support flexibility and comfort. Polymorphic seating arrangements allow students to move and reshape the space according to their needs, giving them a greater sense of ownership over how they learn.
Acoustic considerations were equally important. Materials and layouts were chosen to reduce ambient noise and echo so that the space remains calm and productive even when it is busy.
Designing for Focus and Wellbeing
A calm and contemporary palette was introduced throughout the library to support focus and comfort. Soft greens, warm wood tones, and neutral colours create a balanced atmosphere that feels both welcoming and professional.
Biophilic elements such as planting and natural textures bring a sense of connection to nature into the space. These elements help soften the environment and contribute to a calmer atmosphere for study and reflection.
Ergonomics was also central to the design. Chairs, desks, and seating areas were carefully chosen to support comfortable posture and extended study periods, ensuring students can work productively throughout the day.
Biophilic elements such as planting and natural textures bring a sense of connection to nature into the space. These elements help soften the environment and contribute to a calmer atmosphere for study and reflection.
Ergonomics was also central to the design. Chairs, desks, and seating areas were carefully chosen to support comfortable posture and extended study periods, ensuring students can work productively throughout the day.
A Space Students Choose to Use
Since reopening, the library has quickly become one of the most active learning spaces on campus. Students now move naturally between different areas depending on how they want to work. Some choose the collaborative zones for group projects or discussions, while others prefer the quieter mezzanine spaces when they need to focus.
Teachers have also embraced the library as a flexible teaching environment. Lessons now take place here more regularly, using the adaptable furniture and open layout to support different teaching styles.
Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere of the space has changed. What was once a more traditional library now feels like a lively but balanced learning environment where students feel comfortable working, thinking, and sharing ideas.
Teachers have also embraced the library as a flexible teaching environment. Lessons now take place here more regularly, using the adaptable furniture and open layout to support different teaching styles.
Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere of the space has changed. What was once a more traditional library now feels like a lively but balanced learning environment where students feel comfortable working, thinking, and sharing ideas.
The Impact
The refurbishment of the Collège du Léman library shows how thoughtful design can reshape the way a learning space is used.
Students now have access to environments that support both quiet concentration and collaborative exploration. Teachers have gained a flexible setting that complements traditional classrooms, while the wider school community benefits from a welcoming space that reflects the school’s commitment to excellence.
Through research-led design and close collaboration with the school, Noble+Eaton helped create a learning environment that supports both academic success and student wellbeing.
The result is a library that feels open, calm, and deeply connected to the everyday rhythm of life at Collège du Léman.
Students now have access to environments that support both quiet concentration and collaborative exploration. Teachers have gained a flexible setting that complements traditional classrooms, while the wider school community benefits from a welcoming space that reflects the school’s commitment to excellence.
Through research-led design and close collaboration with the school, Noble+Eaton helped create a learning environment that supports both academic success and student wellbeing.
The result is a library that feels open, calm, and deeply connected to the everyday rhythm of life at Collège du Léman.
