Every architectural addition must transcend its own framework to become part of the urban whole, establishing a dialogue between the new and the pre-existing, seeking a balance between space occupancy, usage conditions, and its surroundings.

 

The site in question shows a significant influence from the CMD designed by Architect Siza, turning the northern limit into a boundary rich in information about how the new building should be implemented. 

 

We position the building, conceived as a single square-shaped volume, in direct relation to the CMD. This way, the urban corner of J. M. De Rosas Street and Pasaje La Bajada is consolidated. Simultaneously, the edges of Buenos Aires Street, Pasaje Ibañez, and Pasaje La Bajada are freed in the western sector, creating a plaza that ensures the urban character of the building's entrances. 

 

ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY 

 

The program clearly presents two different usage groups. On one hand, those requiring a direct relationship with the city and not requiring strict accessibility controls, and on the other hand, those directly linked to lending and reading areas, requiring different accessibility controls according to various services. 

 

The architectural strategy involves creating a permeable ground floor housing cultural activities, stands, and a restobar. Meanwhile, on the upper floor, the controlled access sector is defined, containing the specific functions and administrative areas of the library. 

​

The ground floor features a linear hall traversing the building, connecting the eastern boundary with the western boundary of the lot. Additionally, it articulates the sector consisting of the auditorium to operate independently of the rest of the building. 

 

The upper floor is conceived with a center containing functions that do not require natural light and an outer ring that maximizes the light and the views towards the city. This avoids the "black box" effect and achieves four dynamic facades facing the city. 

 

This sector is entirely flexible, allowing countless configurations according to the variations that the library may demand over its history. 

​

The terrace provides a space for relaxation and informal reading for library visitors. 

The Public Library should not be a container of information but a disseminator of knowledge. 

 

Project details:

Authors: Arch. Ezequiel Muñoz - Arch. Adrián Olivero. 

Collaborators: Arch. Mariel Cámara – Arch. Romina Santa Cruz. 

Date: 2010 

Surface: 6000m2 

Location: Rosario, Argentina.

​