New Lorenteggio Library
Second Prize
The square is the symbolic element that organizes the spaces of the new library. It is a covered square that constitutes the connective element and that allows the coordination of public flows. The square is a catalyst of the life of the community and It can be enjoyed by the citizens in autonomy through the various independent accesses.
The new library is a nude structure; Not-iconic and permeable, where the spaces are flexible and transformable through the furnishings, like Branzi’s non-stop City.
The new library has a strong relationship with the context being completely traversable and transparent. It is a brutal and flexible object where everything is moving. The look can capture entirely all the space, both horizontally and vertically. Every corner is a place of work; The hierarchy of spaces is minimized. The library has accesses on all four sides, this allows, a sectoral use of spaces. The structure forms a space that is at the same time defined and indefinite; Defined to ensure operation; undefined to ensure flexibility. The structure defines rooms, which can be closed, or kept open, through sliding wooden doors or curtains. The structure is the new urban square where to confront and converse. The library is an experiential space where use draws architecture; The grid is a neutral space ready to be modified.
The façade alternates glazed mirrors with opaque elements in correspondence with the service spaces and the technical rooms. The metal structure outside the building starts from the first level and reaches the terrace. It is in square section profiles (10x10 cm) in galvanized and varnished steel that draw edges of cubes of side 2.40 m. The structure is a landmark, a symbolic and functional object, on which the story of the library takes its life.
The metal grid: Photovoltaic panels (250 sq. m), Brise-soleil, screens for projecting films and information. In the roof the structure supports the perimeter network that acts as a railing and closes the terrace.
On the structure there are letters of different alphabets, this represents the diversity and richness of the culture and the strength and beauty of the coexistence among the peoples as a symbolic and functional object.
The use of color identifies architectural volumes within the structure such as service blocks and scale blocks. This choice is aimed at encouraging internal orientation. The design of the furnishings focuses solely on the functional elements that have a strength to divide the spaces. The furniture designed are metal structures on wheels. They also carry the orientation system formed by letters of the alphabet in the grid.
The building is on a small podium, as it is raised from the ground by 30 cm. The podium serves as an informal sitting that overlooks the open spaces.
The labs are located on the ground floor along the west side overlooking the main square.
They occupy nine spans in the grid and can be defined by movable closures, curtains and furnishings in order to guarantee different degrees of permeability. The labs area can be used independently and autonomously from other functions and used even when the rest of the library is closed.
The Forum area is the large, double-height covered square located in the centre of the Library; Visually and functionally links all activities.
The Forum area is like a super-surface, where anything can happen.
The main entrance is to the west; The offices have relevant services and autonomous access to the south.
Family-area is located along the east Side of the building; It borders directly with the forum-area and the outside. The first floor is dedicated to reading and studying and hosting the LIB-area and the study rooms.
The space is structured by the different types of furnishings that form collective spaces and individual spaces; Open-space and repaired corners; Reading places and relaxation areas.
The library can be divided and enjoyed in two independent parts. The library can operate the two floors independently.
The aim of the landscape project is to redevelop a natural environment within the urban fabric, restoring new social and natural spaces.
The proposal starts with the reading of the Lorenteggio’s Masterplan and its social analyses.
The first space, locates a public square completely free to accommodate events and extend surrounding activities. It becomes the new square of the district, usable space and attractor of daily social instances.
