NŠK Library

location: Corso Verdi, 52 - Gorizia, Italy

program: library

dates: project 2019, execution 2021

data: total built area 900 m2

architect: waltritsch a+u, Arch. Dimitri Waltritsch Trieste, Italy
structural engineer: Isaia Clemente and Ilario Tul, electrical: Lorenzo Schirra, HVAC: Andrea Disnan, on site security manager: Albano Marusic

team: Dimitri Waltritsch with Elena Formica, Teja Mržek

In 1903 Max Fabiani designed the Trgovski Dom, one of the first multifunctional buildings of the region which rapidly turned into a symbol of the city. The NŠK Slovene Library is now located in part of the ground floor and of the basement, implementing a new collective function in the building. The very large windows are acting as a communication tool with the city daily life along the main street and the opposite park. The 5,40 m. internal height allowed to insert a half floor detached from the facade to avoid conflicts with it. The library is designed as flanerie path spread on different levels for different activities, providing carefully designed spots for every different need, going from stimulation to dialogue below to more classically organized study areas on top. A symbolic connection with the urbanistically dominant element of the building, the corner tower, is inserted in the half floor right next to the entrance.

Images and text © D. Waltritsch. Use only by permission.