TERRITORIAL's proposal creates two spaces: the Media Liceo library and the Elementare library. The first features a main reading space and a study area; the second includes a main living area and a recreational area. The project prioritizes flexibility, allowing the libraries to function in different settings. Although the spaces are separate, their formal unity is achieved by creating interesting, updated window frames.
The use of colour was one of the strategies employed by TERRITORIAL to differentiate the primary and secondary areas. Collaboration with educators led to the identification of yellow as the colour assigned to younger children, as it is associated with creativity and concentration, while turquoise was assigned to adolescents, as it conveys calm and energy. Additionally, the height of the furniture and the flexibility of the designed spaces aim to positively influence child development.
One of the key aspects when selecting the materials used in the Antonio Raimondi Library was their strength and durability, designed to be sufficiently resilient for children's daily exploration and play. In turn, the choice of hand-perforated composite aluminium panels achieves homogeneous lighting throughout the interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhances spatial freedom in a versatile and innovative space that takes advantage of an existing building for the benefit of students.
Antonio Raimondi Library by TERRITORIAL. Photograph by JAG STUDIO.
Project description by TERRITORIAL
The Antonio Raimondi Library aims primarily at the architectural recycling of an old building, adapting it to new functions without compromising its historical value. Instead of opting for demolition, the project focused on the recovery and reuse of its existing structure, minimizing environmental impact and reducing the need for new materials. Through this intervention, it demonstrates how architecture can meet contemporary needs while preserving the memory of the place, promoting sustainability and respect for built heritage.
The area of intervention was a pavilion within a pre-existing building, whose original structure was preserved and adapted for new uses. One of the key decisions was relocating the library to the north façade to take advantage of the city's climatic conditions. This allows sunlight to enter during the winter and protects the interior space from its intensity in summer, ensuring a comfortable and well-lit space throughout the year.
The ground floor of this pavilion, previously used as classrooms, was transformed into a versatile space. The walls were thickened to serve programmatic functions, such as storing books and defining areas. In addition, windows were strategically placed to allow natural light in and offer views to the outside, creating cosy corners for reading and conversation.
One of the strategies applied was the use of colour to differentiate the areas for primary and secondary students. The main colours were yellow, associated with creativity and concentration for younger children, and turquoise, which conveys calm and energy for teenagers. These details reflect the pedagogical approach embedded in the design.
As such, the project involved interdisciplinary collaboration with educators, who contributed key insights into how spaces influence child development. Notable among these are the use of colour, furniture height—designed to be accessible for both children and adults—and the flexibility of the spaces, which allows for a wide range of activities.
Regarding materiality, durable materials were selected to withstand daily use by children. Furniture was designed to encourage exploration and play, allowing climbing and free movement. The roof, made of composite aluminium panels (ACP) in a continuous lattice with perforations handcrafted during installation, distributes light evenly and conceals the technical systems, creating a bright and orderly environment that brings greater freedom to the space.
Thus, the Antonio Raimondi Library becomes a flexible and functional space that makes the most of a pre-existing building for the benefit of students. Inside, hybrid and dynamic areas coexist, such as reading spaces, individual cubicles, and a small auditorium. The design’s flexibility allows for the maximization of existing elements, such as the walls, which function as programmatic structures for storage, optimizing space without visual overload. This approach makes the project a model of innovative educational space—versatile and deeply connected to its main users: children and teachers.
