- Area: 1725 m²
- Year: 2010
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Photographs:Fernanado Alda
Text description provided by the architects. The project is centered on the “Los Reales de Almonte Warehouse", registered as being of Cultural Interest, which has been rehabilitated for use as a public library, and School of Arts. Enclosed within a public square, the building is located in the “Ciudad de la Cultura” in Almonte and next to the town’s new Theatre.
The library is located in a former wine cellar, a typical structure of the local area. Opened on three sides, the building is 78m long and 10.5m wide, with a total area of 821 sqm. Work included the construction of a gallery without alerting the original structure of the building to maintain and incorporate the original features. The library occupies 14 of the 17 modules, the 3 remaining modules are in the East Wing house the Arts Schools.
The main Entrance is in the South-East of the building, giving it a spacious feel. Book control / loaning / administration is the first area encountered and has a controlled height. The following areas are the Press and Reading Room, which use the full height of the Warehouse. The last areas are the Children’s Area, lit by large and diffused light sources, and a small storage area and a second flight of stairs. In the upper floor there is a Reading Room and Audio-Visuals room.
The project accentuates the original features of the Warehouse building, creating different spaces with each adapted to its new use. The interior design and furniture forms a fundamental part of the work, with simple designs easily repeatable within the different needs and varied program of the library and public services offered in this space.
