Rolex Learning Center

Construction of the Learning Center (mid-2009).

EPFL Learning Center, in 2012.

The Rolex Learning Center ("EPFL Learning Center") is the campus hub and library for the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in Lausanne, Switzerland. Designed by the architects SANAA, it opened on February 22nd, 2010.

The library

Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, partners of the Tokyo-based design firm SANAA, were selected as the lead architects in EPFL's international competition of December 2004. The main library, containing 500,000 printed works, is one of the largest scientific collections in Europe; four large study areas can accommodate 860 students with office space for over 100 EPFL and other employees; a state-of-the-art multimedia library will give access to 10,000 online journals and 17,000 e-books, with advanced lending machines and systems for bibliographic search; a study centre for use by postgraduate researchers will provide access to the universityʼs major archive and research collection, and there are teaching areas including 10 ʻbubblesʼ for seminars, group work and other meetings and a Language and Multimedia Center and associated administration offices.

Main functions

• Multimedia Library – 500,000 volumes
• Student Workspaces – 860 seats
• Multipurpose Hall “Forum Rolex” – 600 seats
• Café + Bar – 53 seats + exterior
• Food Court – 128 seats + exterior
• Restaurant – 80 seats
• Career Center
• Library Staff Office
• EPFL Precious Book Collection
• Student Association Office – “AGEPoly”
• Alumni Association Office – “A3”
• Pedagogy Research Office – “CRAFT”
• Publication Office – “PPUR”
• Bank – “Credit Suisse”
• Bookshop – “La Fontaine”
• Parking – 500 places

External links

• Official website
• EPFL Library
• The Rolex Learning Center construction blog