The new Legnano Library Center

The idea behind the building is inspired by that of a palace with a patio which is outlined in contemporary forms through an “osmotic” relationship principle between the park and the architecture.

It looks as though the building is entering the park, while the park – through a hollowed-out form – includes the landscape that faces it, transforming it into a protected place available to users.

Thus, the space between the existing wall and the new building also becomes a protected garden, which extends and hybridises the space between library, park and city.

In a counterpoint relationship at the front, towards the city, an architecture which is open, light and immaterial like the culture it represents, is defined towards the park, reflecting and incorporating it.

The interior space synthesises the volumetric, structural and distributive components, proposing a spatial sequence that allows users to have an overall view, despite the fact that the space has been divided functionally.

This synthesis takes place through four elements: the first element is the compact form; the second element is the division of the space in the centre through the connecting cores (stair-lifts) and service stairs, which become structural elements; the third element is the double height of the space after the entrance, which allows for a transversal view; and last element is the system of glazed patios that shapes the spaces, allowing for visual continuity despite the functional division.

Therefore, the articulation of the functions takes place naturally, allowing for different degrees of distributive freedom despite the constraints placed by the system.

At the entrance, a large covered loggia gives access to the building and opens onto the park. The permeability of the structure is also accentuated vertically by the perforated roof which allows for six tall trees to rise up from the +0.00 level and cover the terrace above with their foliage.