A Slaughterhouse Pavilion Becomes an Architectural Library in Rome

Abstract

Pavilion 9E is part of a significant industrial archaeological slaughterhouse complex in Rome, dating back to the end of the 19th century. The pavilion closed in 1975, was abandoned and became derelict, with the roof collapsing and leaving the structure in a precarious state. Today, part of the complex has been transformed for use by the Faculty of Architecture of the Università degli Studi Roma Tre/Roma Tre University for its library. The goal of the project was to restore and convert the building for a new public use maintaining a delicate balance between intervention and preservation. The renovation would include both new build additions featuring different elements or materials and restoration of some of the original industrial structures to support the reuse of the building for teaching purposes. The building was given a new roof which maintained the historical characteristics of the former roof; structures were conserved; and the mechanical and electrical plant was updated. The large internal spaces of the ground floor and the mezzanine were divided into various rooms or reconfigured using new furnishings and partitions, to create differently sized and independent spaces.