tree of knowledge library by noa* in milan, italy
In the quiet neighborhood of Porta Vittoria in Milan, Italythe European Library of Information and Culture (BEIC) offered by noa* is intended to serve as a creative hub that inspires and frees the mind. Entitled “the tree of knowledge”, the project was accompanied by the development of a natural landscape that permeates all spaces, while an organic roof ring – the distinctive architectural element of the library – shelters unexpectedly a flowery park.
“Just as the cover of a book contains a story to be immersed in, the new European library hides under a green landscape a knowledge accessible to anyone who wants to apprehend it.” the studio Explain.
all images courtesy of Visualization Dima
blur the lines between inside and outside
Imbued with surreal atmospheres of rooftop forests and flying books, the new cultural center places the visitor in the perfect conditions to explore uncharted territories. The starting point of the project was research into the meaning, use and characteristics of a 21st century library. the team noa* has redesigned it as a creativity hub, with the aim of creating a stimulating environment for the acquisition of new knowledge. The resulting design generates a relaxed and calm atmosphere, a hybrid environment where the boundary between indoors and outdoors becomes blurred.
The complex architectural framework has been flanked by the creation of the natural landscape, which pervades all the spaces. The structure incorporates an organic roof, which serves as the hallmark of the library, and houses a flourishing park. This must be seen in the context of urban parks as a whole, of which the BEIC is an important component. Although the architecture is noticeably introverted, the volume emerging from the ground also extends over part of the Porta Vittoria park, making accessibility one of the key elements of the project.
recreate an earthly Eden
The library has nine floors in total: the main one is located on the first level, where a winding promenade allows the complete crossing of the building. In an evocative spatial experience, the visitor is invited to discover the rich functional program of the inner boulevard. Access to the exterior, a natural extension of interior spaces,
is provided on each floor. Meanwhile, a circular study room for 200 people, with a 360° view of Milan, vertically closes the building. To access it, you climb a one-of-a-kind elevator, a veritable tower of books, collected as needed by an automated system.
Through this astonishing landscape of moving books, the highest point of the BEIC is reached. It feels like climbing a tree after walking through a lush garden. And not by chance, since the archetype that inspired the team of architects is the Garden of Eden, where the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil grows. The biblical episode linked to it is perhaps one of the stories that philosophers have drawn the most inspiration from when depicting humanity. On the roof of BEIC, studio noa* wanted to recreate an earthly Eden, where one could celebrate the beauty of knowledge and continually encourage people to go to unknown worlds.
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