The spaces of the new library

The project for the new Biblioteca di Studi giuridici e umanistici is based on a thorough reorganisation of its spaces, designed to respond flexibly to the diverse needs of study, research and academic work. The Nuova Crociera represents a symbolic place for the University, and its redevelopment makes it possible to improve the accessibility and organisation of the collections while preserving the historical and artistic value of the spaces.

The spaces are organised into four main hubs, each with a specific function but integrated into a single coordinated system.

Spaces designed for different needs

The environments are organised according to a clear functional layout designed to meet the needs of a large and diverse academic community:

individual study areas
informal study areas
spaces reserved for academic staff and doctoral researchers

Nuova Crociera: one space, new functions

The Nuova Crociera involves the reorganisation of nearly 5,000 square metres into an integrated and functional environment.

A single entrance, connected by a new staircase and lift, will link the Humanities Crociera (ground floor and mezzanine) and the Law Crociera (basement level – Sottocrociera, Sala Common Law e Diritto internazionale, and Area Pozzo). This layout improves orientation and accessibility within the library.

Internal connections will allow seamless movement between Sottocrociera, Sala Common Law e Diritto internazionale, and Area Pozzo.

The four hubs of the library

Sala Centrale
Sala Centrale provides 288 study places, distributed across two areas:

Sala A: 240 places
Sala B: 48 places

All workstations are dedicated to individual study, in an environment designed to support learning activities.

Nuova Crociera
At the heart of the reorganisation project, the Nuova Crociera provides a range of spaces designed for different user groups and functions, with a total of 636 study places:

Humanities Crociera (ground floor):
126 individual study places
68 informal group study places (Braccio San Nazaro)
workstations dedicated to researchers
88 individual study places on the mezzanine
Law Crociera (basement level)
Sottocrociera: 204 individual study places and 19 informal study places
Sala Common Law e Diritto internazionale: 52 individual study places
Area Pozzo: 74 individual study places and 3 study rooms reserved for doctoral students, researchers and academic staff (up to 8 places each)

Sala del Settecento
Sala del Settecento offers 110 individual study places:

Sala A: 24 places
Sala B: 86 places

Sala Senato
A quiet and intimate space offering 32 individual study places.

Quality of the spaces: comfort and furnishings

The reorganisation of the spaces is accompanied by major improvements in comfort, including:

new furniture
new heating and air-conditioning systems
new lighting systems

The aim is to create welcoming and functional environments within a historically significant space, suitable for different forms of study and research. The interior design balances bookshelves, informal areas and study spaces, ensuring both the preservation of the collections and the dynamic use of the library environment. Facilities will include, individual study desks, desks with integrated lamps for optimal lighting, flexible tables for collaborative spaces, and low tables for informal areas.
All workstations will include power sockets and USB ports to support the use of personal devices. Armchairs and sofas may also include integrated side tables suitable for laptops or books.