ATRIUM: BOOKSHOP AND CAFETERIA

The existing building is a modern shell able not only to fulfil functions that relate to the museum, but also to be a place for meeting and congregating - a real reference point for the cultural life of the city.
When you go through the entrance, to one side there is the ticket-sales desk, a key element linking the entrance area and the Museum’s commercial and recreational activities. The counter – the main point for ticket sales – has been conceived so as to guarantee that the staff have an overall view of the entrance and right into the large central courtyard. This element changes and evolves according to requirements: from a simple counter on the Museum ticket-sales side, it becomes a display window near the bookshop and finally integrates a seat on the courtyard side to accommodate groups.
The public can appreciate the various functions enclosed in the atrium space through a visual identification of the various activities: bookshop, cafeteria and documentation centre. In this sense, the design meets the functional need to identify the sub-zones where the different activities are carried out, while maintaining the spatial continuity and the curved geometry of the existing building.

Entry to the bookshop and cafeteria is from the covered courtyard side, under a lowered projecting roof that emphasises the entrance. The platform made of wooden slats is laid over the existing dark resin floor and creates different viewpoints and spatial environments. The large cash-desk presiding over the entry and exit channels from the bookshop and cafeteria is visually and functionally separated from that of the museum ticket-sales desk by means of a large two-sided oak cupboard. The elements comprising the bookshop are modular, cubic display cases made of oak; they can be moved and assembled in different combinations according to the various future management requirements. From here, you are then caught in a visual tunnel comprising a long platform with a metal roof over it and this, by using a special sheet metal, suitably illuminated, recreates the idea of leafy tree branches. The horizontal metal panel, in a lower position compared with the height of the existing ceiling, has the bar counter as its visual hub and concluding spatial element. Small sofas, armchairs and low tables divide up and provide movement for the path along the platform, offering visitors various possibilities for enjoying the large space. In line with the counter, on the right of the platform, there is a set of small tables and chairs standing on the existing floor, separated by large potted plants to create a “wood” that tends to “invade” the bookshop area as well, where it is expected that seating for consulting books to be purchased will be located. On the left of the platform, two large sofas will allow several people to be seated at the same time, enabling this area to be selected for groups waiting. At warmer times of years, the cafeteria will be able to use an outdoor space where more plants and seating will be located.