The Plaza Biblioteca Sur project aligns with the municipality’s objectives of enhancing the quality of life and promoting community development through initiatives that emphasize education, recreation, and culture. Over the course of approximately eight years, the project underwent careful management, transcending changes in leadership and prioritizing continuity over political affiliations. Collaborative efforts with local residents and municipal authorities allowed for the refinement of the project’s program to address evolving community needs. Even after the library’s completion, ongoing feedback collection reflects a commitment to accommodating the community’s latest requirements, fostering an enthusiastic and participatory environment for various activities that promote social cohesion.

Implantation

In Lima’s residential urbanizations, allocating a percentage of public spaces for educational and cultural purposes is a common practice. The Plaza Biblioteca Sur is strategically situated in the heart of “El cascajal,” adjacent to a park—a vital communal space within the neighborhood’s dense fabric. Surrounded by a blend of formal and informal housing developments, the project serves as a cultural enclave, complementing the park’s central role. Designed with a simple yet dignified architectural presence, the project aims to be a timeless social landmark, encouraging communal interaction while prioritizing pedestrian-friendly environments by restricting vehicular access.

Concept

Positioned parallel to the park’s pedestrian sidewalk, the project maximizes natural light and panoramic views of the surroundings. A series of exposed concrete columns, reminiscent of stacked books on a shelf, delineate the interior spaces, punctuated by two wooden-clad boxes signifying the library entrance. Longitudinal facades feature exposed concrete beams, creating a flexible and open interior conducive to various activities. The design prioritizes natural light ingress, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, and seamlessly integrating the park’s tranquility with the local architectural vernacular.

Color and Materiality

Adopting a color palette of “Nobility,” the project exudes a sense of understated elegance, serving as a backdrop for dynamic interior and exterior interactions. A peripheral chain, characterized by a pastel pink plinth, accentuates the main access ramp and garden areas, harmonizing with the terrain and lightening the building’s visual impact. By embracing materials that express honesty and integrity, the Plaza Biblioteca Sur emerges as a vibrant hub that enriches the urban fabric and fosters a sense of belonging among its users.