Cultural Condenser in the Park

Monza, Italy

Architecture, Site-Specific, Italy

Photo © ARW

Architecture, Site-Specific, Italy

Visualization © Level Creative Studio

Architecture, Site-Specific, Italy

Visualization © Level Creative Studio

Architecture, Site-Specific, Italy

Visualization © Level Creative Studio

arkkitehdit: ARW Associates - Botticini + Facchinelli

Location: Monza, Italy
Team: Arch. Camillo Botticini, Arch. Matteo Facchinelli, Arch. M. Bonera, GAP Progetti srl., Arch. Alessandro Galperti, Arch. Stefano Andreatta

The project is located in a strategic area between the historical town of Vedano and the park of Villa Reale in Monza, near Villa Litta and the road leading to the racetrack.
The projected building stands in the place of a recently demolished cinema, near Via E. Ferrari and at the crossroads with Via Santo Stefano, where a small semi-circular square opens up.
A settlement layout is proposed that adapts to the morphology of the site with an irregular polygonal shape and elongated plan. A spatial characterisation is configured with the objective of creating a sequence of open public spaces with a specific character and identity, both towards the triangular square inside and towards the square in the form of a hemicycle outside.
The proposal defines an area made up of two bodies outlining the triangular courtyard, one of which, 13 metres wide, is intended as a theatre hall and completed by a scenic tower, an element emerging in the context. The other portion, with a section varying between 8 and 10 metres, is entirely destined to house the library.
The library has an info area at the entrance, followed immediately by a staircase that can be used as a multifunctional space for reading, conferences, book presentations and lectures. This open space, flanked by a staircase that becomes a bridge, is permeable from the street, opening towards the inner courtyard with a covered space to create an interesting interpenetration between internal and external public space.