The project is situated on Vittorio Veneto Street in Modena Maranello, an established residential area. The building’s northern exterior wall borders a residential courtyard, the west side faces a public space, the south adjoins another residential building, and the east side is partially supported by an adjacent residential structure. Covering a surface area of 1,175 square meters, this project involves the renovation of an existing building.
The north wall has been repaired, while the east and south sides are constrained by office and residential buildings. The original central section was demolished, and a new library was constructed within the previous volume with the assistance of a BIM engineer. The building’s height remains consistent with the former structure, while its exterior extends outward and downward. The entrance to the new library is located on the west side.
The design defines three primary spaces: an information area, a large reading room, and a multifunctional hall. Each space is designed for independent use. These main areas encompass various functions including consultation spaces, library property storage, a newspaper reading room, an audio-visual library, a game room, a multipurpose room, a learning area, a local historical materials consultation room, an exhibition room, and a temporary exhibition space.
Service spaces such as writing desks, network access points, librarian offices, and storage rooms are integrated within the layout. A dedicated reading area targets children aged 0 to 6, welcoming young readers as well as those aged 11 to 14. High school and college students benefit from quiet consultation rooms and study areas designed to minimize distractions. The building is composed of three distinct volumes to optimize its functional requirements.
A transparent volume on the ground floor serves as a coffee area, featuring several service spaces and large tables. It provides a social space for the “Mythical Land Maranello” club, as well as consultation and reading areas accessible to all library users. This volume is reflected on the surrounding water surface, which adds a deep green hue that complements the preserved walls of the project.
The roof platform extends toward the public space, enhancing the building’s visibility from the street. Inside, the flooring and furniture are finished in pure white resin, while the exterior greenery is reflected through the glass curtain wall, casting a green glow along its curved surface.
Natural light permeates the open spaces of the library, reflecting off white furniture, floor objects, structural elements, water, and continuous transparent glass in a dynamic interplay. A white opaque volume on the south side contains service areas, staircases, a basement game room, and windows that allow natural lighting.
The basement connects to the entrance of the parallelepiped volume via stairs and is equipped with elevators for people with disabilities. Additionally, freight elevators are installed for transporting goods and books. A multifunctional room offers flexible display space that can be customized as needed. The underground area also houses storage rooms for library materials and a niche dedicated to local historical documents.
Project Drawings:
▲ Plan view
▲ Plan view
▲ Plan view
▲ Plan view
▲ Plan view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: Andrea Maffei Architects
Address: Strada Nazionale Abetone Superiore, 41053 Maranello Modena, Italy
Category: Library
Design Team: Arata Isozaki, M+T& Partners
Project Year: 2011
Structure: Mario Sbrozzi, Studio Sbrozzi, Modena
Lighting Design: Koichi Tanaka, M+K Design, Milano
General Contractor: ATI – Cooperativa Muratori Reggiolo e Manutenzioni Generali Reggiane
Construction Manager: Arch. Andrea Maffei / Andrea Maffei Architects
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