New Library Links to Existing Regenstein Library via Bridge
The University of Chicago celebrated the formal dedication of the Joe & Rika Mansueto Library in October 2011at Harper Memorial Commons. The new library houses a state-of-the-art automated retrieval system that accepts requests from anywhere on campus or across the world. The stacks are located under the library and the depth of the storage area is fifty feet underground. It takes a few minutes to retrieve an item and when it is ready an email is generated to the requestor notifying them that the article is ready for pick up.
In 2003 the University commissioned a task force to review library space and shelving capacity. The University Library needed room to grow and after careful consideration decided on the automated storage and retrieval system. It resides under the beautiful new Mansueto dome which is glass and elliptical in shape. The new library can hold up to 3.5 million volumes. It is connected to the existing Regenstein Library via a bridge and connecting circular building known as the knuckle (connecting joint).
Helmut Jahn, President, CEO of Murphy/Jahn was the architect. His unique glass dome design stands out handsomely without overwhelming the commons area. The dome is placed at an angle in deference to the Henry Moore statue on the grounds. The glass is supported by light steel grid made up of steel tubes spaced about 6 feet in each direction. The steel grid is attached to the concrete ring beam for support. They have created a distinctive space at the University of Chicago Joe and Rika Mansueto Library. The circular building or knuckle is attached to the Regenstein Library and is connected via a bridge to the Grand Reading Room. “The knuckle of the connecting bridge is clad with InvariMatte® which could be described as metallic silk and sets the tone for entering the Reading Room,” explained a spokesman for Murphy/Jahn.
The ceiling of the knuckle radiates from the center as if it is made of stainless steel sunbeams. “We are honored to be part of this important addition to the University of Chicago and that our signature product InvariMatte® was chosen for the circular building knuckle,” explained Jim Halliday, of Contrarian Micro Textures.
Ceilings Plus performed the installation of the transition space which leads to a walkway that is set at a 45 degree angle that ends at the entrance of Grand Reading Room.
The Grand Reading Room opened in May 2011 and it is an inspirational space with natural light and unobstructed views. It resides inside the dome and the natural light is diffused by special glass. The high performance glass provides an unobstructed view while shading 57% of the light using frit dots and offering insulation from the solar heat. The furniture, long wooden tables with simple wooden chairs enhance the space with a certain simple elegance.
The Mansueto Library houses a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory that will preserve rare materials in their original form. In addition to traditional bookbinding equipment there is an ultrasonic encapsulator with a suction table, a special paper washing sink and fume hoods.
The digitization laboratory uses digital cameras and scanners to take high resolution digital images that preserve rare materials in their original form and can be shared worldwide. These new spaces and technologies position the University of Chicago as a leader in tools for collections, preservation, and collaboration.
