listening to the infinite
Recanati Media Library

The idea the project seeks to convey is that of a physical space which is articulated yet organic, open to use throughout all its parts and easily “readable”.

Already from the entrance staircase we will be able to perceive the spaces through a large glazed wall, and be invited to enter with the awareness that once inside we will be able to move fluidly and without any limitation.

The distribution of the spaces, the use of materials with “warm” colours and surfaces, and the lighting, will have the specific function of creating a welcoming environment, capable of conveying well-being and familiarity.

The perception of bright, practical, functional and barrier-free spaces must immediately become the stimulus for sharing recreational moments in mutual and civil respect.

The hierarchy of the spaces is conceived for gradual use while at the same time ensuring mutual respect between the various functions; for this reason, the space expected to see the greatest footfall — the conversation/study room — is located near the entrance and directly supervised by reception staff.

From reception one also accesses the multipurpose room and the restrooms. This room is a flexible space that can take on different configurations thanks to sliding partitions that divide the space, making it versatile for different uses: from a course/conference room seating around 70, it can be transformed into a workshop space for various activities or an exhibition room for temporary events.

Along the path leading from the reception area to the opposite side of the media library, further functions are located: the multimedia room, the listening room, the workshop and the children's area.

The multimedia room is a volume within the large transit space, surrounded by opaque glazing that captures light from the surrounding light wells. Inside, tiered seating shapes the space like a small amphitheatre; it can host lessons for school classes, but also small performances or simply the projection of a wide variety of multimedia content.

Beyond the small theatre, the Listening Room opens through the glazed wall onto the corridor; inside, arranged in a semicircle facing the breathtaking view, are extremely comfortable relaxation stations for listening to audio content through headphones, ranging from opera to contemporary music. Visitors need only collect the content device from the information desk and settle into the “silent room”.

The rooms opening onto the corridor enjoy a stimulating view and make use of natural light from the northeast; after the silent room we find an area dedicated to a workshop with an adjoining storage room. Here the versatility of the space guarantees multipurpose use.

At the end of the distribution route, in the most secluded part, the area dedicated to the youngest visitors was deliberately conceived. In this child-scaled space, with measures designed to ensure safety and comfort, small “technological nests” have been created, inside which one can listen to music and interact with specially designed multimedia content via touchscreen.

The unified image of the place is ensured by elements that characterise the spaces; transparency is favoured to read the building's two fronts through its various functions, and the use of finishes such as oak wood (fire-resistant laminated panels) and carpeted flooring lend the spaces elegance, practicality and well-being.

Consistency in the use of materials and visual continuity create a unique and recognizable style; the same must be said for the communication aspect and the brand with which to identify and communicate with the outside world.