DAP studio readapts historic chapel with library intervention

DAP studio readapts historic chapel with library intervention
image © luigi filetici
all images courtesy of DAP studio

adding a perforated aluminum tower to a former chapel, italian architects DAP studio have converted the historic building into the ‘elsa morante’ public library. located in the italian town of lonate ceppino, a strong dialogue between the two volumes is created – the narrow profile of the addition respectfully slopes away from the original building’s roof pitches, giving them space to stand on their own. this interaction of the old with the new is highlighted through a series of juxtapositions, exposing the heavy mass against a sense of lightness, solidity versus instability and opaque windows next to reflecting materials. the two divisions are connected via a little, glazed passageway, with the main entrance located on the left side, providing further access up to the first floor. its rectangular plan contains the service areas – bathrooms, archives and technical systems – the internal staircase reduces in size as one climbs, eventually revealing a small, platform space that sits in the corner by a large window.

the narrow addition gently slopes away from the historic chapel building
image © luigi filetici

revitalizing the original building, the library hall is divided four specific areas: a conference room with a newspaper library, children’s area, the bookcases and reading tables. the wooden shelves holding the books are designed as modular units with the ability to be assembled at different heights and exchanged. the considered intervention by DAP not only restored the historical building but has re-appropriated its function for public use.  

the interaction between the old with the new is highlighted through a series of juxtapositions
image © luigi filetici

the new volume and the restored chapel have been turned into a public library
image © luigi filetici

the exterior façade has minimal ornamentation
image © luigi filetici

the entrance to the new addition that contains mainly service areas and a connecting staircase to the upper floor level
image © luigi filetici

the renovated chapel features a conference room
image © luigi filetici

the wooden bookshelves are designed as modular units
image © luigi filetici

exploded axonometric

concept sketch

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