Schiattarella Associati renovates SHELL Libreria Bistrot
A former neighborhood workshop in Rome, Italy has been reimagined by Schiattarella Associati, renovating a 250-square-meters space into SHELL Libreria Bistrot, a contemporary hub that blurs the lines between work and public life. The design is a study in openness, where the boundaries between inside and out dissolve. More than just a bookstore, gallery, or restaurant, the dynamic space is a place to serve the community, creating a dialogue between its past and its future.
SHELL Libreria Bistrot by Schiattarella Associati
Schiattarella Associati is an Italian architecture and design firm known for its multidisciplinary approach. Their ethos center on design as a service to the community, viewing each project as a collective act that can generate meaning, participation, and innovation. This philosophy is evident in their work on SHELL Libreria Bistrot, where they sought to create a space that not only functions beautifully but also enriches its surroundings.
the architects transformed a former neighborhood workshop in rome, italy
SHELL Libreria Bistrot sparks cultural cross-pollination
Schiattarella Associati’s final design of SHELL Libreria Bistrot honors its history while embracing a modern identity. The original soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and raw concrete floors were preserved, retaining the workshop’s raw and authentic character. A defining feature of the space is its constant dialogue with the adjacent park, which acts as the project’s true protagonist. Large windows frame the lush greenery, creating a seamless exchange between the interior and exterior. The cobbled street outside seems to flow directly into the space, while the interior’s vibrant energy is projected outward. This playful use of transparency and shifting perspectives creates a space where different areas visually connect and interact, embodying the firm’s vision of a place shaped by cross-pollination and community.
large windows frame the adjacent park, creating a seamless exchange between the interior and exterior
the original soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and raw concrete floors were preserved
the space retains the workshop’s raw and authentic character
