SS. Quattro Coronati Library

The intervention consists of a new library for the Augustinian Nuns Community inside Ss. Quattro Coronati Monastery in Rome. The project is part of a wider restoration programme of the monastery lead by Prof. Arch. Giovanni Carbonara. The new library accomplishes an innovative double task of displaying books and consolidating the existing wooden beams roof at the same time. As a matter of fact the structure consists of a series of vertical steel HeB profiles corresponding to the roof beams and horizontal ‘T’ and ‘L’ shape steel profiles to support books. Shelves are made of tempered glass and perforated steel mesh. The library is developed on two levels, separated by a 28 mm. temperate opal glass flooring solution and connected by staircase made of 28 mm. temperate opal glass steps free for any steel frame. The staircase elevation consists of opal glass panels in continuity with the first floor glass rail, with serigraphies recalling quotations from the Scriptures. Besides the consulting function the library includes some small exhibition spaces to display archaeological findings coming from the contiguous cloister.