Libraries. Not a photographic subject I ever thought I’d be getting excited about. But one landscape photographer has released an undeniably beautiful series featuring some of the most structurally complex buildings from around the world.

Thibaud Poirier, a French photographer based in Paris, specializes in landscapes. One look at his website tells you he has travelled all over the world, photographing everything from remote islands to cityscapes and interiors.

In our current digital era, it’s easy to overlook libraries. Poirier, however, has traveled extensively throughout Europe for the past year in order to capture a total of 25 (so far!), many of which still uphold architecture that is indicative of the period in which they were built, be it historic or contemporary.

Like fingerprints, each architect crafted his vision for a new space for this sacred self-exploration. These seemingly minute details are everywhere, from the balance of natural and artificial light to optimize reading yet preserve ancient texts to the selective use of studying tables to either foster community or encourage lonely reflection.

Meanwhile, I think I’ll be going to write my next article in my local library.

View the full gallery below, or if you care to see more of Poirier’s work you can find him at his website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

All images used with permission of Thibaud Poirier.

[via Colossal]