INTEGRATED
ENGINEERING
AND ARCHITECTURE

The restoration of the former Vicenza Court proposes an urban intervention to mend the identity rift caused by the construction of this controversial example of rationalist architecture from the 1960s, which later became an “urban skeleton” after the court's activities moved out. Repurposing the Court into the main headquarters of the Bertoliana Library, a historical institution for the city and region, presented an ideal opportunity to restore dignity and reconnect social flows within the historic Contrà di Santa Corona. This area is located only a short distance from UNESCO World Heritage monuments such as the Teatro Olimpico and the Palladian Basilica. The library, designed to meet the highest modern standards in library and architectural design, seamlessly integrates into the cityscape as a cornerstone of the new "Contrà della Cultura” (Culture District). The spaces on the ground floor extend the urban environment, reflecting the archetype of Vicenza's identity with reimagined iconic elements. A new porticoed space exemplifies this vision: an elegant three-level structure featuring a green terrace atop "embraces" the internal southern courtyard, enhancing the internal microclimate and fostering a renewed dialogue with the historical urban fabric. This expansion continues southwards, encompassing the area currently occupied by the Canove car park, one of the city's most utilitarian yet discordant public parking facilities. In the concept of urban revitalisation, with the New Bertoliana Library serving as a pivotal catalyst between the southern suburbs and the eastern historic centre, the car park will be relocated to a new underground structure, discreetly hidden from square to garden. This approach fosters a stylistic dialogue between the former Court and the Cathedral of Santa Corona while maintaining the essential functionality of city centre parking.