Grândola’s municipal library and archive

The site plan of Grândola’s Municipal Library and Archive project, is confined to the limits of the lot and surrounded by streets and the República´s square. The surrounding area is characterized as a central zone of housing and few public services. Currently, the library is assessed through Rua Dr. José Pereira Baradas and Rua João Pinto Ribeiro.

From the beginning, the concept was to assume the demolition of the existing building. The original building has been projected for a primary school, then it was adapted for housing and finally used as library. This building has suffered some interventions in last years in order to adequate the old building to the new usages. These interventions caused a de-characterization of the original building. Therefore, the team has concluded that the old building has no physical form or scale to support the new conditions of the requested program.
Based on the site plan of the building and its surrounding, the presented proposal has been organized in order to use all the entire site plan area, as well as the height limits of the nearest neighborhood, resulting in an harmony with that buildings.

Due to program extension it was necessary that the new building should be developed in the entire site plan and composed by 3 floors. In order to take advantage of natural light and natural ventilation in all spaces, and to benefit the interior opens, it was created an interior and central patio with an exceptional sun exposure, creating an intimate and introspective space. This concept emphasizes the image of the neighborhood, with interior patios and gardens.

Based on the fundamental element of a library (the books), and thinking in its disposal/storage when stacked, it was possible to work the building shape as two superimposed books. Therefore, it was possible to create a continuity/flow and a transition between República´s square and Dr. Júlio do Rosário Costa Garden. The main assess was developed in that transition point, which is highly marked by a covered zone provided by the superior body over the walking area.
The presented proposal creates a new platform between the two public spaces (Square and Garden) interconnecting both spaces with the patio concept, creating a new activity point in the interior of the proposed building.