A new home for the San Francesco della Vigna Library - ISTITUTO DI STUDI ECUMENICI SAN BERNARDINO

Over the last few years the San Francesco della Vigna Library and the Institute of Ecumenical Studies underwent such substantial developments that an extension of their location was required. Thanks to the financial commitment of the Veneto Province of St. Anthony of the Order of the Friars Minor, it was possible to restore a wing of the Convent previously used by the Provincial Curia of the Friars Minor.

The architectural project, presented by Architect Marino Alessandri, permitted the construction of two store rooms for the Library, which now holds more than four linear kilometres of shelves, a spacious and bright reading room, some classrooms for the Institute, offices and several other rooms necessary for the regular running of activities linking Convent, Institute and Library.

The construction work was completed by the 'Dottor Group' of San Vendemiano (Treviso), the Venetian terrazzo floor was made by 'Pop' of Mestre (Venice). The mobile shelves for the Library were installed by 'Dexion Italia' of Agrate Brianza (Milan), and the climate control system was installed by 'Italfrigo' of Cavaion Veronese (Verona). The electrical and smoke alarms, video surveillance and anti-intrusion alarm systems were installed by 'Fornasier Renzo' of Jesolo (Venice). Other firms were involved in the completion of the restoration: 'Il Serramento' for the carpentry work, 'Memo Dipinture' for plasterboards and painting, 'Opere Idrosanitarie S.r.l.' for the plumbing system, and 'Trepuntosedici S.N.C.' for locksmithing.

Finally, all the systems were designed and supervised by Engineer Francesco Mattiazzo and Engineer Ivan Travaglini; while the planning and fitting of the mobile shelving in the two store rooms of the Library were supervised by Engineer Francesco Mattiazzo.

The above restoration not only provides the Library and Institute with adequate space for their activities, but allows visitors to enjoy the internal cloister of the Convent and a surprisingly spectacular view of the Venetian Lagoon.