CIVIC CENTRE AND LIBRARY -

RANICA

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. This 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 patios 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 an '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. 

Photo credits: Alessandra Bello