The new Electa Library in the Colosseum in Rome is among the latest projects of Milan-based firm Migliore+Servetto. The design duo was commissioned to create a unifying language for the Italian publishing house’s shops, which debuted in four locations in Rome as well as the Venice site, in the spaces of the Biennale.
Libraries of the Colosseum from Miglior + Serveto
(Image credit: Andrea Martiradona)
The new Electa Library concept has taken over four spaces in the Colosseum Archaeological Park: Colosseum Gallery I, Gallery II, San Gregorio al Palatino and Clevo Palatino. While each space has a distinct identity, Migliore+Servetto’s intervention is characterized by a unifying language that includes a light furniture scheme that brings simplicity and modularity to the displays.
(Image credit: Andrea Martiradona)
The design of the spaces adapts the original architecture, with curved layouts that follow the structure of the Colosseum and windows framing ancient ruins. The system can be adapted to every space and responds to every display need.
The design is defined by perforated metal sheets in bold colors that are used for various functions. The concept follows five main elements, including wall displays and wall focus elements to highlight specific products; dual-sided central elements divide and define spaces and flow; Thematic islands and items dedicated to customer service functions.
(Image credit: Andrea Martiradona)
Each store has a specific colour, adding a sense of individuality to the different locations: sulfur yellow for the Colosseum First Gallery, vermilion red for the Colosseum Second Gallery, celadon green for San Gregorio al Palatino, and cadmium yellow for Clevo Palatino.
The studio worked with Rimini-based artistic director, Leonardo Sonoli, on custom drawings that refer to the history of the site in a contemporary graphic style.
(Image credit: Andrea Martiradona)
“Besides its function as a sales space, the library thus becomes a narrative landscape,” reads a note from the designers. “It is a place of discovery… that stimulates cultural growth, through valuing the judicious presentation of the contents and the constant dialogue with the exceptional architectural context that contains them.”
Elekta Libraries at the Colosseum and Archaeological District
Colosseum square
Rome
lecta. it
Architettimiglioreservetto.it
(Image credit: Andrea Martiradona)
(Image credit: Andrea Martiradona)
(Image credit: Andrea Martiradona)