projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

in accordance with the wishes expressed in his will by federico zeri, who in 1998 left to the university of bologna his photo library (290.100 photographs) and his art library (about 90.000 volumes including books and auction catalogues), and with the support of the foundation which bears his name, the university of bologna planned a centre for advanced research in humanities studies. this is the first major cultural centre for historic-artistic studies, promoted and financed by an italian institution. highly specialised in the field of art history, it is at the same time a centre for promoting culture, in the context of a modern and dynamic university. the federico zeri foundation has its seat in the convent of santa cristina, a monumental renaissance complex located in the historic heart of bologna. this huge complex was the subject of major restoration work completed in 2003, and has been made functional by the university in order to house zeri's library and photo library, and for use as a study centre with reading and consultation rooms. the architect sergio bettini was responsible for the overall project of the spaces for the foundation, working in close collaboration with the scientific staff responsible for the conservation and use of the material kept in the photo library and library. the spaces have been organised in order to make for safe and easy consultation of the original photographic material, housing it in very large spaces so that those wishing to consult something have speedy autonomous access to the volume 'off the shelf'. ten fixed computer places have also been installed, from where the database of the photo library can be consulted. the fulcrum of the project is the vast hall with ceiling with trusses (454 sq m), which was originally the novices' dormitory, as can still be seen from the presence of numerous washbasins attached to the walls which can be glimpsed behind the shelving, and from the holes in the floor, covered by glass to leave them visible. this space has been organised as a reading room with forty reading/work stations. the lighting project has made use of both fluorescent lights recessed in the reading desks and led with horizontal arms directionable in three different positions, base with revolving 355° joint and adjustable head for concentrated light (si gira lighting fixture by Viabizzuno). a solution which has made it possible to safeguard the ceiling of the hall from further intervention and at the same time to offer the maximum flexibility of lighting at each single work station. the work stations are organised into three islands separated by low bookshelves, so that users, as they pause from study, may enjoy a view both of the exterior and through the large lunettes on the wall towards the cloister. this solution does not alter the visual unity of the original space and at the same time is ideal for making the room available for hosting events such as presentations, meetings, and conferences. one of the objectives of the foundation is the creation of research laboratories (through seminars, study grants, conferences, etc.) and the potential uses of the library and photo library favour interdisciplinary exchanges between scholars."