On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Lille campus of the Arts et Métiers , opened its Learning Center, thereby becoming a full member of the national network of AtriuM spaces, which are dedicated to learning and knowledge sharing. This is a flagship project for the campus for the 2026–2027 academic year and is fully integrated into the institution’s ELF program.
Opening of the New Learning Center—AtriuM—on the Lille Campus
Born out of a desire to restore a space for research and a library to the campus, the project is part of the ELF program led by the institution, in which DISSO (Directorate of Scientific Information and Open Science) participates. The project received funding earmarked for the nationwide rollout of AtriuM.
To carry out this mission, Alexandra Houzet—who was hired in September 2025 and was already familiar with the “ Arts et Métiers ” environment from her previous work there—drew on the support of the campus teams, as well as the experience of other AtriuM Arts et Métiers, particularly those in Metz and Angers, and several visits to libraries in the Lille metropolitan area: “This collaborative approach, which I strongly support, is one of the reasons I came back. It is a strength and a model for organization and communication.” Identifying the location, defining the needs of future users, designing the spaces, and showcasing the existing library resources on campus were the main stages of the project.
Restore what already exists and expand the collections
Alongside discussions about the physical spaces, a major documentation project was launched to locate, inventory, and catalog the books from the campus’s former library. Faculty and staff actively contributed to this effort by helping to identify existing resources and suggesting new acquisitions. New books, subscriptions, and journals have thus enriched the library’s collection. The AtriuM also aims to raise awareness of the digital resources already available to the Arts et Métiers community on the dedicated website: e-books, scientific journals, digital news, and specialized databases. “Access to these resources has never been suspended. The challenge today is to restore visibility to tools that users in Lille are no longer aware of,” explains Alexandra Houzet.
A versatile space designed for studying, collaborating, and experimenting
Designed with students’ needs in mind, the AtriuM is organized around two complementary spaces: an individual study area and a space dedicated to collaborative work. Users will be able to browse and borrow books, reserve workspaces, and use a soundproof booth designed for small-group discussions.
Innovation also plays a key role: the immersive corner features virtual reality devices that provide access to educational content and, eventually, to digital twins of the Arts et Métiers machinery fleet.
In terms of quality of life at work—as well as student well-being—the AtriuM ultimately aims to become a space that promotes well-being, with plans to create a relaxation area accessible to everyone.
Next step: bringing this AtriuM to life
For Alexandra Houzet, the opening of the venue marks the culmination of an intense year of preparation: “It’s very strange to have been working on the project for a year and to see it come together in just one week. The setup, installation, and opening all happened in quick succession, but they’re the result of a lot of work leading up to this moment.” In late August, even before the start of the academic year, a back-to-school coffee gathering held at the AtriuM already brought together about forty staff members, confirming the space’s potential as a place for meeting and exchange. “It’s a privilege to be able to work in a setting that I designed and in which I believe. I hope that users will embrace it with as much joy as I had in designing it,” concludes Alexandra Houzet.
With the opening of its AtriuM, the Lille campus now has a new communal space that brings people together and fosters learning.
The AtriuM in Lille is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We are currently recruiting students to assist with reception duties and extend our hours of operation.
