Rome's La Sapienza University is to build a mega-library that will house more than two million volumes, combining the vast book collections of its faculties of humanities and philosophy. The library project, designed by Rimini-based Mijic Architects, was presented on Monday by the university's rector Antonella Polimeni and the capital's mayor Roberto Gualtieri.

The library - which will be accessible to La Sapienza students as well as Rome citizens - will be located in a 5,200-sqm area of the campus overlooking Piazzale Aldo Moro in Rome's S. Lorenzo district. "The new structure will have the appearance of a living library" - said Polimeni - "and, at the same time, that of a laboratory open to experimentation and all forms of scientific communication."