Marina Rosa

The building that houses Santa Catarina’s Public Library, originally designed as an office block, is a recognized example of the Modern Architecture in Florianopolis city. In 1979, with its change of function to a Library came some problems: the monotonous and compartmented spaces were not compatible with the use and importance of the new institution. Finally, in 2009, the state government commissioned a design competition for the renovation of the building and its interiors.

The proposed design approaches the library as a spatial typology – its interior must be understood in its totality by each occupant, and its exterior recognized as an urban icon.

The internal renovation organizes the required program and applies visual axes clearly and flexibly. It allows the visitors to have a comfortable and intuitive use of their facilities, while also addressing easy management with the proper separation of spaces. Departing from the ground floor, the public character of the levels gradually decreases to the restricted access areas located on the 3rd floor and underground. An atrium connects the main collection areas situated on the 1st and 2nd floors. Changing the core configuration, the design also managed to unify the enclosed spaces of each level at the back of the building, thus, freeing large open areas for flexible use.

The intervention outside the building creates a new visual identity for the library and, at the same time, helps to reduce light and temperature inside to adequate levels. The design respects the original main features of the building, while adds elements that express the proposed changes. Through a few elements, the plastic transformation of the façade carries the meaning of modernization of the Public Library of Santa Catarina.