Our studio was tasked with creating a library located in the historic Jewish Ghetto of Rome. As we documented the surroundings, we noticed a large school to the right of the build site had few areas for children to play, wait for parents or engage with the adjacent piazza. Christian churches dominate the block and there was an absence of a dedicated cultural center. With these concerns in mind, we devised a “lightbox” that would create a visual relationship with the tower of the church, close off the square as to create more of an urban “place”, as well as spaces for children and adults alike to continue their education.

An outdoor stadium activates the piazza to allow visitors to sit, play, or watch outdoor screenings from the balcony above. This balcony protrudes into the square and provides shelter for the entrance. Two large travertine monuments flank the ground floor that speak to the existence of medieval ruins that once stood in these locations. Adults can either explore the nearly triple height reading room and gallery space above, or escort children to a double height auditorium and play area below. Finishes include travertine and rough cut stone on the exterior that constrast with a mesh interior structure to the interior.