AEWORLDMAP.COM (3,300+ posts)

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Building: Joe and Rika Mansueto Library
Location: 1100 E. 57th St., Chicago, Illinois
Completion: 2011
Architect: Helmut Jahn – Murphy/Jahn Architects
Structural Engineer: Werner Sobek
MEP Engineer: Environmental Systems Design
Civil and Landscape Engineer: Terra Engineering
Contractor: Barton Malow

AE Interests: elliptical glass dome composed of 691 glazed panels and reaching 35 feet tall at its highest point. Glass at base is transparent to allow unobstructed views, but roughly a third of the way up, a ceramic frit covers 57 percent of the interior surface to reduce glare. Currently, 1 million volumes are stored underground and are accessed by the libraries automatic retrieval system. Constructed using glass and steel.