A renovation project for the area that was formerly a garden in the Zuccari Palace firstly requires a consideration of the physical roots of this outstanding site. It would be very difficult not to act in accordance with the genius loci that constantly strives to manifest itself and makes itself transparent in any respectful operation.
The site that was previously a terraced garden in the Roman Villa of Lucullo was generated by the staggered arrangement of the retainer walls on the slopes of the Pincio that descend the south-facing hillside. The formal suggestions of this garden, which would have permitted a unitary vision in this stepped presentation, were an inspiration for the project.
The public entrance to the new library is through the Mascherone portal, a figure which Zuccari was the necessary contrast for the paradisiacal charm that appeared in the view when visitors entered through the gates. Similarly, in this project visitors suddenly comprehend the overall constitution of the library from the same entrance.
Now the site seems to metamorphose in a light well with a glazed perimeter and a gently sloping background wall from which the light bounces off and becomes reflected.
Staggered terraces are arranged around this central element in a free perimeter, containing the book stocks and the reading rooms. This produces a interior space which, while small, is interesting on account of its vertical progression, its ambient luminosity, and the formal richness of a staggered order with a trapezoidal cross-section.
Each floor is organised with a regular distribution that situates the bookshelves in the area overlooking Via Sistina while the reading areas are in the middle overlooking Via Gregoriana, facing the windows and terraces with their panoramic views of Rome. The top floor holds a silent reading room- a segregated and independent activity from the tall common central space- which also benefits from the top terrace used as a place for rest and enjoyment of the views.
The simple and noble ensemble of finishings, white washed brickworks, stone, wood and books even, as a visible skin, will create a system of materials in a good reciprocal resonance while doing the ambient experience pleasant. The interest on this architecture drives the light and the optic field becoming unitary and rich.
- Juan Navarro Baldeweg
