Biblioteca di San Giorgio in Poggiale

The Carisbo Foundation’s archives are accessible to the public inside the church of S. Giorgio in Poggiale in Bologna, now home to the Foundation’s Library. After restoration of the central and two lateral naves, and of the frescoes that had decorated its walls for centuries, the large interior was visually unified by the new oak flooring of the apse, central nave and side chapels. For this purpose the flooring of the central nave was raised to the same level as that of the apse, thus creating the effect of a long wooden dais, accessed by three steps facing the building’s main entrance. At this level visitors get an excellent view of the exhibits on the chapel walls, originating from the Foundation’s archives. The spaces are equipped with solid oak bookcases, reading stands and tables for the consultation of this heritage of books. The sacresty, too, was restored and is now part of the Library. At the entrance, a compass, made of large pinewood tiles, acts as a filter to the exterior and as an introduction to a place of consultation and study.

Wood, the only material used in the redevelopment, fits respectfully into the interiors, establishing continuity with the imposing walls and the historical image of the place.