UnionIsland - Library

UnionIsland Lybrary: modern view of a Ducal Palace

The library is a compact volume, reminiscent of a modern Ducal Palace, defining a porticoed front overlooking the lagoon while enclosing a spacious inner courtyard. Its architecture resonates with the insula it occupies, delineating its boundaries while preserving the central void.

The interior unfolds as a fluid sequence of interconnected double-height spaces oriented toward the courtyard. Externally, the façades are characterized by a rhythmic interplay of solids and voids, transitioning from the heavier, more open foundation level to the lighter, more enclosed upper levels.

A material palette of stone, metal mesh, and glass creates a multi-textured yet monochromatic expression, allowing shadows to play across the volumetric patterns of the façades. A significant overhang elegantly resolves the corner relationship with the water, highlighting the building’s connection to its lagoon setting.