arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati: maranello library

‘maranello library’ by arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati located in maranello, italy
image © designboom

designed by milanese architectural practice arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati, the ‘maranello library’ for the community of maranello, italy is reaching the final stages of construction. woven into an established residential fabric, this building intends to provide its visitors with an introspective experience and visual connection with nature. the structure’s organic perimeter wavers towards the center of the library leaving an open air gap between the facade and site extents. in addition to the roof’s deep overhang, a vegetated screen squares off the plot concealing views of tall apartment blocks which surround the site.

building set within site
image © designboom

a reflecting pool bordering the floor to ceiling glass facade endlessly reflects the greenery. the white washed appearance of furniture within the reading and reference areas serves as a blank canvas, drawing attention to the foliage. necessary programmatic spaces including stacks, storage and administrative space are underground to ensure an abundance of ambient light above grade.

aerial view of roof
image © designboom

street entrance
image courtesy maffei associati

library reference and study areas
image courtesy maffei associati

foliated screen bordering the structure
image courtesy maffei associati

floor plan / level 0
image courtesy maffei associati

floor plan / level -1
image courtesy maffei associati

sections
image courtesy maffei associati

section
image courtesy maffei associati

placing steel reinforcement for the foundations
image courtesy maffei associati

preparing to pour the concrete roof
image courtesy maffei associati

(left) completed concrete structural framework
(right) before pouring the floor plate
image courtesy maffei associati

project info:

location: maranello, italy
program: library
client: maranello patrimonio s.r.l.
competition: april 2007
contract: june 2008
construction start: september 2009
construction end: august 2011
opening: september 2011
r.u.p.: eng. salvatore faino / comune di maranello
project: arata isozaki + andrea maffei associati
design team: arch. alessandra de stefani, arch. carlotta maranesi / arata isozaki & andrea maffei associati s.r.l., arch. stefano tozzi / m+t & partners
security: arch. enrico bianchini
structure: eng. mario sbrozzi, studio sbrozzi, modena
plants: eng. manuele petranelli, studio petranelli, firenze
green: dott.sa agr. laura gatti, studio gatti, milano
lighting design: koichi tanaka, m+k design, milano
general contractor: ati – cooperativa muratori reggiolo e manutenzioni generali reggiane
glass: slia serramenti, napoli
construction manager: arch. andrea maffei / arata isozaki & andrea maffei associati s.r.l.
vice-construction manager: geom. maurizio forghieri
architecture manager: arch. alessandra de stefani / arata isozaki & andrea maffei associati s.r.l.
structure manager: eng. mario sbrozzi / studio sbrozzi
plants manager: eng. manuele petranelli / studio petranelli
site area: 850 mq.
gross built area: 1.175 mq.
gross floor area: 1.175 mq.
maximum height: 5.3 m
cost: € 1.718.733,00
structure: concrete and steel
facades: curved glass