Library Buildings around the World

to satisfy the different demands from 'administration itself. Selecting a few key points of entry can be made completely or only
partially permeable space of the library at different levels, "the designers explain. Particular attention has been given by designers
compared to the modulation of natural lighting during daylight hours of the day. "Direct sunlight is the enemy of the book, it must
be controlled and manipulated to avoid the deterioration of paper and at the same time must meet the very essence of architecture.
The design choices that effect have been identified in only one direction to fulfill different purposes. The south wall of the building
with no interesting sights is rendered completely blind to prevent the entry of direct sunlight on the inside and equipped with a
"wall-library" that occupies the full height of the building, a sort of curtain wall that becomes manifest in the library as a repository
of knowledge. Priority is given to large holes in places where it is interesting to frame elements of the urban landscape as the bell
tower and roof of the Cathedral on one side and the diocesan museum the other two erker of giant order that the extension of the
external massing of the building and all 'manifest the internal spatial characteristics typical of Nordic culture, are to comply with the
alcove where you can stand to read or admire the scenery. The placement of large windows, which define the limits of space and
climate between the interior and exterior, is known from direct indirect, consisting of a widespread and intense beam of light at
points where there is greater influx of people and stay within the new library. Another device designed to capture the light, and
provide perceptive suggestions otherwise denied, selecting intensity and direction, is to install two large skylights on top of the pitch
covering complex. The light passes through the entire building height, reaching the ground floor through a system of retreat of the
floors, playing a key role in the system of insights between the different floors of the library, "reads the draft report provided by the
trio winner. Another feature of the project is the organization of the sections of the library. The proposal calls for the creation of a
double shell perimeter sandwiched between the exterior walls of concrete and wood leather interior, "a kind of bark that surrounds
the internal space freeing fully functional from any obligation. It is thus possible to accommodate those who have the need for
growth and change over time, typical features of a modern library, complete the projects. (http://ww.archiportale.com)
Pica Ciamarra (Massimo Pica Ciamarra) Associati, Napoli – Italy
http://pca-int.com/italiano/works/home-works_01.htm
http://pcaint.eu
Libraries:
Biblioteca Forteguerriana, Pistoia – Italy 2000 – 2007
8.000 m²
Cliostraat. art architecture design, Torino – Italy
http://www.cliostraat.com
Libraries:
Quarrata Public Library, Quarrata- Italy 2001
DAP Studio, Milano – Italy
http://www.dapstudio.com
Libraries:
Civic Centre with Public Library, Auditorium, Offices and Child Care, Ranica (Bg) – Italy 2006 - 2010
The civic centre rests in a strategic position half way between the historical heart of the city and the new expansion areas.
It will house a civic library, a kindergarten, office spaces and a conference hall. Aim of the project is to set rational connections
between the new cultural nucleus, the city centre and the traffic system. The open and public areas become key aspects in the
project: an investigation on the meanings of 'piazza' (square) and of 'crossing' has generated the concept of 'ground'. Traditionally,
in Italy, the 'piazza' is defined by physical and visual elements that limit its space but it is also characterized by an institutional
presence (a city council, a market, etc…), that defines its meaning. his project aims at generating a new form of 'piazza' where the
physical boundaries blur into the open space, creating new public spaces that welcome pedestrians, allowing them to penetrate the
constructed mass, which is raised above the ground. The centre is organized onto two levels, the perimeter of the first floor juts
out by 2 mt. The idea is that of a massive volume, raised above the square level. Underneath the volume the system of connections
and public spaces mixes with the system of accesses and internal areas. The lower ground is characterized by a strong permeability
therefore the buffer spaces between inside and outside gain strength and importance. Inside, at ground floor, two open air patii cut
through the first floor mass to bring light and air to the lower level. The two volumes differ in mass as well as in material: the
rendered ground floor is juxtaposed to the lightness of the polycarbonate sheets that define the first floor. The simplicity and
integrity of the external volume is subverted in the internal spaces, which become complex in a three dimensional space
creating a 'urban scenario', but maintain an explicit and clear internal distribution. The main areas within the public library are
defined by volumes that organize the space creating flows and allowing people to orient within the building, just like one orients
oneself within a city. In the main hall, balconies, volumes, connecting bridges, all contribute to set an harmonic relation with the
inner patio. (DAP)
The recently completed Cultural and Community Center of the North Italian town Ranica, near Bergamo, is a "new piazza" of the
town developed. Here are all the functions that need a little community, concentrated in one place: a public library, community hall,
a kindergarten and a small dance and theater center. The architects studio DAP + Giaconia Paola (Milan) describe their design -
2005 emerged as the winner of a competition project - said: "The Piazza has always been a place, physically and visually, is limited
by the surrounding buildings. With our project we want to blur these sharp boundary between solid and void. "
The new building is located at the interface between the center of the village and a new housing development here and will act as a
threshold between old and new. The rectangular building consists of a recessed floor and a far-protruding above floor. Also as
regards the materiality of both floors are very different. While the glass floor and therefore is transparent, which consist of colored
facades of the upper storey, semi-opaque polycarbonate panels. Inside, the individual functions in different cubes are stored. Several
interior patios also divided the floor plan. Also the access corridors and stairways were designed as places that required as a meeting
and meeting points of a high quality stay. (http://www.baunetz.de)
Elsa Morante Civic Library, Lonate Ceppino (Va) – Italy 2006 – 2008
The restoration and extension of this historical building revolved around the creation of a new building, narrow and long, that runs
parallel to the existing one. The complex contains the community public library and some office space. The new building house all
service and distribution spaces (vertical connection), this to minimize the demolishing intervention within the historical building.
This new volume, also defines a buffer zone between the old and the new, between the historical building and the city: it is a public
accessible space, container of information for the community. The dialectic between old and new is the driver of the whole design,
and it has oriented all design issues. The dialogue between the two volumes has between reinforced through the juxtaposition of
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