The project, realized by Studio Roberto Mascazzini Architetto (Buscate, MI) and Studio Davide Tortorelli Architetto (Busto Arsizio, VA), transformed the MA.GA Museum in Gallarate into a multifunctional cultural center by integrating a section of the city library within its premises. This intervention, aimed at merging exhibition functions with educational and cultural activities, marks a significant evolution for the museum, already one of Italy’s leading centers for contemporary art. Opened twelve years ago, the MA.GA is distinguished by its complex and articulated architecture. The building comprises two parts: the first reuses a former industrial facility with double-height spaces characterized by a simple morphology and generous volumes; the second is an extension featuring a triple-height volume dominated by a brick exedra-shaped wall, an iconic element defining the entrance and reception areas on the ground floor.
The project worked on a structure already hosting significant visitor flows, requiring a spatial reinterpretation to accommodate new functions. The integration of the library not only broadens the cultural offering of the MA.GA but transforms it into a true community hub. The intervention focused on reorganizing the reception area, where some walls were demolished to adapt the spaces to the new functional layout. With careful design of furniture and mobile solutions, the library’s front desk and media library were positioned here. The furniture, designed to be flexible and dynamic, includes movable seating and storage units that make the space versatile and capable of hosting various cultural and educational activities.
In the same area, the functional program required the placement of 40,000 open-shelf volumes, a shared book repository with the museum, reading and study spaces with varying levels of privacy, and informal consultation areas. The design approach addressed this complexity with an innovative solution, maximizing the available space and ensuring optimal usability for visitors.The most significant portion of the intervention involved a 42×11 meter hall with a 6-meter height, characterized by limited natural light from three large openings at one end. Originally intended for exhibitions and multimedia installations, this space posed significant challenges for adaptation to new functions.
The main design idea was to create a “house within a house”: a self-supporting structure, dry-assembled, to increase the horizontal and vertical surfaces needed for the library. Completely independent from the existing shell, this structure was designed to comply with the strict safety regulations governing museum spaces.
The architectural autonomy of the new structure is clearly expressed through a contemporary and functional language. The use of steel, stone, bamboo, and lightweight wood allowed for the creation of an elegant and safe construction that meets functional requirements. Steel was the central material of the project, used for shelving, stairs, and protective panels, helping to minimize the fire load of the setup. The ground floor’s flooring was made of stone, while the mezzanine features bamboo, a lightweight and durable material that reduced the profile thickness to just 8 cm. The intervention at MA.GA Gallarate represents a virtuous example of how architecture can address complex needs by integrating diverse functions into a single space. The library is not just an extension of the museum but an element that redefines its identity, transforming it into a place of community engagement and cultural exchange.
With a design approach based on flexibility and efficiency, Studio Roberto Mascazzini and Studio Davide Tortorelli successfully enhanced the dialogue between architectural preexistences and new functions. This intervention stands out for its balance between technical rigor and aesthetic sensitivity.
Credits
Project: MA.GA MUSEUM
Studio: Roberto Mascazzini Architetto, Davide Tortorelli Architetto
Location: Gallarate, Italy
Year: 2023
