Joe And Rika Mansueto Library
Joe and Rika Mansueto Library
Jahn
ARCHITECTS
Jahn
ARCHITECTSAM SCACCIA Architectpeter Hayes
Helmut Jahn
LOCATION
United States
TYPE
Educational › Library
The Problem was to store 3.5 million books with an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).
In an effort to infringe as little as possible with the open space and make the Reading Room and the Preservation Department the most pleasant spaces to be in, and in line with our approach to challenging habitual conventions, we opted to put the books below grade, where their environment can be better controlled to achieve the desired constant temperature and humidity of 60 degrees, 30% RH – at less cost.
The people-oriented spaces could thus be located at grade in a minimal elliptical glass dome, which fits the context, because it defies conventional relationships.
The concept has been embraced by the leadership of the University, because it represents the mission of the University of Chicago as a catalyst for the advancement of knowledge.
It is interesting that this happened at an institution where the disciplines of architecture and engineering are not taught, but a spirit prevails to go beyond where others stop. Science, physics, and the liberal and applied arts start when others think they are complete.
Once a consensus on the design was reached, the normal process was started to solve problems of comfort and sustainability, light-control, structure, life-safety, operation and maintenance.
The structural gridshell of 120 x 240 feet and the insulated glazing represent a very minimal and intelligent system for mediating between the varying exterior conditions and the desired interior comfort.
In the interior there is a seamless integration between lighting, air supply and furnishings, which were fabricated in solid European White Oak.
More than anybody the users benefit from an environment which is pleasant and conducive to study and research.
This is not your classical Library, but points to the Library of the Future.
