Library for the Chamber of Commerce of Genoa

Library for the Chamber of Commerce of Genoa

Sp10 as Architects

The new library of the Chamber of Commerce of Genova is located within the palace Tobias Pallavicini, added to the system of buildings for culture of Strada Nuova (including museums of Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso, and the Town Hall at Palazzo Tursi). To insert the new spaces in the complex program of events that develops within this system, it is necessary that the new library appears as a welcoming, accessible, public place. For this reason, the new library will appear with evidence, making clear its urban role, even within the existing building. The new road system seems to suggest an intervention strategy, providing exemplary interventions, that can guide our proposal for the new library. Immediately after the war, in fact, in the face of significant destruction caused by the bombing, Franco Albini and Franca Helg, involved in the museums of Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso, becoming mediators between the public and the historical buildings. Albini and Helg not intervene on the spaces, simply disseminate them to signs and objects that suggest possible uses, emphasizing spatial relationships, thus defining a new set of possible relationships.We propose to remove the slab that covers the central hall of the underground level and is the current floor of the courtyard. Removed it, it shows the possibility of using the central hall of the lower level as open-air room (the courtyard is in fact already covered), naturally lighted from above, and directly accessible from the the small Piazza del Ferro. The room is so occupied by a large square room, entirely covered with books. The new room of books establishes a relationship with the European large lecture theaters. Beyond its relatively small size (a cube of side 7.50 m), the room of the books gives to the collection of the library of the Chamber of Commerce, a role explicitly monumental, suitable for urban system in which it fits into. From the upper portion, coming from Strada Nuova (now via Garibaldi), you can enter the building, walk across the room "of Bergamasco," and look out over the room of books. In a surprising reversal, a chasm of books opens under the courtyard. The backyard is literally based on the collection of books of the Chamber of Commerce. Text by Baukuh and Valter Scelsi

Project Credits
Architects
Product Spec Sheet

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More

Introducing Partner Linea Light Group
21 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Linea Light Group

Linea Light Group is an Italian company known for its innovative lighting solutions. The company off... More

New infill apartment building in Prague reflects an industrial heritage
20 Mar 2024 News
New infill apartment building in Prague reflects an industrial heritage

Iconik is a residential apartment building in the Karlín neighborhood of Prague. Designed by... More