projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

the library of the convent complex of s. antonio da padova in bologna was completely renovated, being enlarged in order to accommodate the growth in its book heritage and at the same time making it more functional for visitors. the renovations involved the rooms located in the basement and on the mezzanine floor taking in not just the library, but also the school of theology, with the creation of an evocative 'museum of icons'. the museum houses part of a private collection of russian icons belonging to the friars and covering the period from the 17th to the start of the 20th centuries. the exhibition area includes 100 icons that have been enhanced primarily through the use of lighting that evokes an atmosphere of meditation and prayer and that recreates the light of a candle, the light source with which over the centuries these works of art have been associated both in churches and in private homes. each icon is illuminated by zero orientabile led spotlights with 8° and 30° lenses and 1 or 2 watts of power; in addition, a system has been designed that enables the creation of a variety of scenarios, in which just certain groups of icons are illuminated depending on the specific religious occasion. the lighting of the corridor also was designed to restore to the convent an atmosphere of meditation, using recessed elements that simulate an alcove with a candle, integrated with mosaico and catena light fittings that highlight architectural details and works of art. natural daylight plays a leading role throughout the project, and so an effort was made to achieve the same balance when projecting the night-time lighting that silently complements the exhibition like a prayer throughout the convent. from the main corridor that acts as a link between the east and central wings a totally new access to the floors of the library has been created: a straight staircase that occupies half of the space with a width of about 90cm and that provides access to the consulting rooms and archives. the stairs, a metal structure covered with travertine, are supported on a central structure covered in the same material that extends vertically the height of both floors and acts as a parapet to the walkway of the upper level. the stairs and the walkway are detached from the side walls. this arrangement maintains the distinction between the new works and the original building enabling a clear reading and interpretation of the project and giving it a very light feel. the rationalisation of the space in the basement has made it possible to utilise rooms originally used as cellars and stores, converting them into places that are inviting, evocative and functional. the storage facilities have been expanded and consolidated and now boast a leading edge filing system capable of containing 2300 books plus another 300 in the area set aside for historical archive. between the distribution office and the consulting room we find the archive of the 'fondo antico', the heart of the library, deliberately left visible through a large window. in general, the works have brought back to light and highlighted the architectural elements and the original sub-division of the space, through the use of glass as partitions and the made to measure creation of all the bookcases in alcoves, made from the same materials as the display cases. even the wall surfaces of the basement have been restored and preserved where possible. to highlight the austere nature of the project, all the flooring has been replaced with made to measure classical brushed, resin coated travertine that is discreetly ever present with the visitor throughout the exhibition spaces, as also is the lighting, a silent but at the same time distinctive element of the entire project, including the external areas.