The Mansuetos, of course, did a wonderful thing by donating some treasure to fund a library. Still, I have some concerns--
1. Water Load on the structure. Pooling of water during rainstorms.
Gargoyles are prevalent at the U of Chicago; I do not see Jahn using
gargoyles to lead water away.
2. Water Leakage during heavy rainstorms. Drips happen in all
buildings, but how easily can a drip be repaired in such a structure?
Is a workman to crawl up glass and risk breakage. The square feet on
the glass is significant in the drawings.
3. Possibility of drawing lightning. There is much metal in the drawings. What will a lightning strike do to such a structure?
4. Heating and cooling costs with increased lighting. We saw this
at the State of Illinois/Thompson Center Building. The heating costs
were supposedly high affecting the state. If heating and cooling costs
are too high, there is an effect on library budgets. Books, journals,
videos, labor, magazines, newspapers, and manuscripts are just as
important as architectural magnificence.
The design appears similar to IM Pei's work at the Louvre, but
larger. The issue of the dome being larger is the problem. Much more
window space means much more space for heating with light and more
glass panes to be potentially broken.
I am not criticizing the Mansuetos in any way. My concern is with
the logic of Jahn's glass dome. I am sorry about any offense to anyone.
Congratulations on alumni support.
***
I actually like grass. The open space grass over the storage facility is
more architecturally attractive to me. Waiting for History of Africa to
start with John and Jean Comaroff back in 1988; I had some ok
conversations on the grass with a classmate. Grass provided a place to
talk about questions of race discrimination, slavery, colonialism and
writing. Grass over the storage facility provides much needed space to
talk to students, faculty, friends and alumni. Grass feeds our bodies;
buildings provide shelter. There are enough shelters now at the U of
Chicago. Just looking at grass there at the University of Chicago can
be educational for a student. I think a sign should be posted over the
grass- National Historic Landmark- Some Grass of the Genus ---Dr.
Rudatt would know what genus that is...I would have to look it up right
now.
The project communications team says that the
architects have thoroughly investigated the effects of sun, wind, and
water on the structure. Specific issues are (and will continue to be) addressed in
the project FAQ.
