Maroon Opinions

(Mechanical) Noise in Mansueto

There is consistently a high-pitched metallic noise in the Mansueto Library. It is very distracting and unpleasant. It would be very appreciated if the noise could be eradicated.

The Suggestions Office staff, when out and about in Mansueto, haven't noticed any high-pitched noise. However, it's been objectively verified that our hearing is disappearing (all that loud rock we listened to as kids), so we looked for a second, third, and fourth opinions.

Unfortunately no consensus emerged. Some colleagues say there's no sound in Mansueto at all. Others admit to hearing something, but chalk it up to the air handlers. So for now, we're going with "random airflow noise."

If you're hearing something different, let us know -- the dome is supposed to be a quiet zone, and we're not giving our equipment any freebies. Why, just the other day we had to crack down on a  robot [crane] with an uncovered coffee mug. You wouldn't believe what they try and get away with...

Lights in Mansueto

I happened to notice that the lights in the Mansueto library stay on during the day, despite more than adequate light from the sun. Why not just turn them on when needed?

Apparently the dome lights are controlled via the building's environmental systems, so it's more than just flicking a switch. That, plus concerns that the dome might be plunged into gloom by a passing cloud, led us to keep the lights on all the time.

Our fears unfounded, we're now working with University Facilities to put the lights on an evening schedule.

Glare in Mansueto

Mansueto is awfully nice, but I've had to give up on going in there. I was wondering why I've been having such terrible headaches since it opened, and its definitely because I can't see my computer screen, which is turned up all the way on its brightness. I was straining my eyes quite badly and didn't realize it. It's too bad, but I just can't go back unless I have a paper book to read without having to take notes, which is rare.

We admit that on sunny days it does get a little bright under the dome. The Suggestions Office staff has noticed some patrons wearing sunglasses indoors, and we didn't think them out of place.

Unfortunately there's not much we can do at present  to reduce the glare. However, Regenstein has several other study areas with lighting more conducive to viewing a laptop.

Plants in Mansueto

Hi! What are the plans for putting potted plants in the Mansueto study room? They'll be great visually and will make some oxygen as an added benefit. Plus it seems like a shame to let the sunshine go to waste!

Does the presence of plants lower room temperature? If so this could help moderate the heat a little when it's sunny out in the summer.

No idea how feasible this idea is, just putting it out there.

There aren't any current plans for plants, but the idea met with general approval in the Suggestions Office -- provided the Office staff doesn't have to look after them. (We've killed most plants entrusted to us.)

In the meantime, if you're looking for glass, plants, and reading space we recommend the Garfield Park Conservatory.

 

Mansueto is freezing

The Mansueto study room is really, really cold. There's a very noticeable difference between it and even the connecting corridor to the Reg. Is there some way to adjust the temperature settings so that the air conditioning units aren't on full blast at all times?

We received several complaints about Sunday's "icebox" conditions in Mansueto. While we've notified University Facilities about the cold, there's not a lot we can do until Tuesday when more personnel are on duty.

On the bright side, Monday's forecast is 90 (F) and sunny -- which means the dome should be a little warmer thanks to external conditions.

Noise and Mansueto

Mansueto is so noisy! The cleaners have been talking on their cell phones, and two visitors have also talked on their cell phones. Some visitors in the library are talking at tables, and I can hear them on the other side of the reading room. Could you please enforce the quiet policy in the reading room more strictly?

We'll speak to the cleaning folks about talking on their cell phones.

Several times the Library staff have asked egregious offenders to quiet down or step outside. You'll also see "table tents" reminding users of the quiet zone policy appearing in the next day or two.

This being said, we rely on you and other patrons to help us maintain (more accurately, create!) the "culture of quiet" we hope becomes the norm for Mansueto. If someone near you is talking, please don't hesitate to ask them to quiet down. If they refuse to respond, please tell the staff at the circulation desk.

Grass

The university library is still helpful for things like sending books to book reviewers, studying and reading even though the grass will be missed next door. I still prefer grass over the shelving area. Grass makes oxygen buildings do not make oxygen

Thank you for your suggestion. Unfortunately we are unlikely to see grass until the building is finished, but part of the project includes replanting grass sod where appropriate upon construction completion.

Mansueto Library Questions

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.

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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.