Ca Granda

Ca Granda is a historic monument and one of the buildings of the University of Milan. It dates back to the 15th century when initially it was the hospital Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico. Today, despite the new function as a university campus, the building preserves the heritage of Ca Granda “the big house”.

The project focuses on the renovation of the library part of the building, where it was very important that everything implemented into the space is independent from the old structure and does not damage it in any way.

The new library design aims to use to its advantage the architectural characteristics of the space, such as the big height, windows in the upper area, dark internal corridors, and niches in the walls.

On the ground level, metal bookshelves are added that serve as a load-bearing structure for the new above-level intended for a reading area. this new additional level creates access to the outside terrace, which is now used for study breaks. All the furniture in the project is custom designed and intended to be fitted to the load-bearing structure. The dark interior corridors are turned into a private archive and a perfect computer work area.