Its transformation, which allowed it to expand from 1,240 to 3,594m², provided it with an opportunity to reinvent itself and meet the needs of a more inclusive and constantly evolving society.
One of the most important decisions taken by the architectural team was to rehabilitate the historic building and bring it back to its original splendour.
The stone façades and the monumental doors were carefully restored, as were the original plaster mouldings, wood panelling, and mosaic floors.
The piano nobile’s (main floor) marble staircase, and its two imposing stained-glass features, were carefully repaired.
The alignment of the new curtain wall and the rhythm of its brise-soleil were dictated by the historic building’s neo-classical colonnade.
Key to the design concept was the introduction of a 'tower' element off the east wing.
A clear statement of the library’s contemporary identity, this contains a new vertical circulation core and serves as the library’s main entrance.
Users with reduced mobility can easily enter the premises and reach the elevator, giving them full access to each floor, as well as access to a small roof terrace.
The exterior stone steps no longer serve their initial function, except for rare occasions like ceremonial events.
They mostly provide exterior seating for users and passers-by.