The study and sharing spaces of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome were inaugurated on January 25th, 2018.  The new concept of the library, inserted inside an existing building, was to make certain areas more functional and contemporary.  The spaces were structured on 3 different floors, vertically and horizontally, and are connected by an internal staircase that has a strong architectural impact.  
Color characterizes each of the levels.  The green entrance level is the “Area of Dialogue”, with spaces that favor collaboration, meetings, and a relaxation area designed for short stays.  The yellow level is the “Area of Calm”, designed for group study, while the red floor, the “Area of Silence”, has single workstations and silent rooms shielded from noise.  The bookcase, which seems to cut through the three floors vertically, also acts as a horizontal partition allowing each floor to develop an internal corridor dedicated to services.  The creation of the entire bookcase, as well as the furnishings - from simple desks to more complex study stations - are tailor-made works made by expert carpenters under our supervision.  

Fundamental, also for this project, were the opportunities afforded by the world of Fonology: our division that provides sound-absorbing solutions.  The collaboration with the partners of Contract Design Network, allowed us to provide a customized design also of the required technological equipment.  All 240 study stations (140 more stations than the previous library) have the possibility of being connected to the Internet and Intranet, using personal computers and personal devices (wi-fi).  This allows for better accessibility to educational content, lightens the load of paper documents, and renders continuous and immediate updating possible.  The intention was to create a lively environment and ideal meeting place for students, because as the rector Franco Anelli underlined during the inauguration, “Universities are changing and so are the places of study.  A library is not just a book depository, we want to create community spaces, places where ideas are planted and allowed to grow.“  The acoustics, the technology, the design, the functionality of the furnishing elements are all characteristics that contribute to the quality and uniqueness of these environments.

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