Lugano Cantonal Library

Rino Tami con Carlo Tami, 1936-41

The result of a competition announced in 1936 and completed in 1941, the Cantonal Library, designed by brothers Rino and Carlo Tami, is one of the first and most important examples of modern architecture in the Canton of Ticino. Introducing it in 1942 in the pages of "Costruzioni Casabella," Giuseppe Pagano praised the "proud modesty" of its architecture, and since then the Library has been systematically included in Swiss architecture reviews. In 1969, the storage area was raised by a floor to a design by Rino Tami, and between 2004 and 2005, the entire building was restored by architects Michele and Francesco Bardelli. On that occasion, the basement reading room was made accessible and combined with open-shelf consultation.