Milan presents the new European library, center of contemporary culture
Projected in 1999, the European Library of Information and Culture will finally be born in Milan, thanks to funds from the recovery plan. BEIC will emerge in an abandoned area of Porta Vittoria by 2026.
Since an objective to host the European Library of Information and Culture (Beic), a project that has always failed and which is now made possible thanks to the funds of the PNRR. The BEIC aims to embody a new laboratory of contemporary culture. It will not be a traditional library, where the treasures of an already consolidated culture will be created, but to create a laboratory of contemporary culture.
The winning project has just been announced by the commission made by the architect Stefano Boeri.
How will the European Library of Milan be
The entrance to the European cultural center will open onto a “promenade” which will arrive in a spacious rectangular hall flooded with light, 8 meters high and populated by pavilions with exhibition and commercial spaces, a cafeteria and drop-off points volumes. The two main buildings, designed with sustainability in mind, will span six floors and two basements. This is where the large fully robotized book depot will be located, designed to accommodate 2.5 million volumes. A third pavilion will house the Imaginarium, a space dedicated to children, and an Auditorium that can accommodate 300 people. At its summit, will culminate a large greenhouse.
Revitalizing a long-abandoned area of Milan
Extending over 30,000 m², the BEIC will also be an element of revitalization for a long abandoned area of Milan in Porta Vittoria. It will be immersed in a green space, but which will be easy to reach thanks to new public transport, and in particular the new blue line of the M4 metro, which from Linate airport will serve the Argonne and Susa stations.
In addition to the future library, the redevelopment of the old Macello, abandoned for years to degradation, hosts the new headquarters of the IED (European Institute of Design) as well as in the future, a large sports complex and more thousand apartments at affordable prices. A future neighborhood to live in, and not just to frequent.