The university library is part of a Brutalist ensemble erected in line with the masterplan of architect Walter Abraham. The façade with its striking, repetitive block structure is reminiscent of the Istituto Marchiondi.

In 2011, the library moved to a new building. Since then, the brutalist building has been repurposed and functions now as a multi-purpose building that houses administrative and IT services, spaces to study or conduct group work, a Queer Space, a Women's Room, and a Sensory Space, among other things. 

In 2013, the façade was repaired and cleaned, whereby its appearance was merely refreshed and the brutalist façade was preserved. Later, between the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2023, this changed with a renovation project by BNMH Architects: Their concept for a modernization of the façade included filling the recessed “gaps” in the existing block structure with metal grids. The former exposed concrete elements were painted in gray and beige tones. A rooftop extension was also added. Unfortunately, the original design of the brutalist building with its elegant sculptural effect has been severely impaired by the renovation. 

Special thanks to Pam Saunders 

This building was included in the red list, published in our exhibition catalog SOS Brutalism: A Global Survey (September 2017). After a status review on December 2, 2024, it is still classified as red (endangered) in the online database.