Libraries, like this one on Chicago's North Side, are well suited to masonry construction.

The Chicago Public Library system is in the midst of one of the largest library expansion programs in the world. Since 1989, the City of Chicago and the Chicago Public Library have built or fully renovated 40 neighborhood libraries serving all areas of Chicago. In 1996, the Chicago City Council approved a $50 million capital improvement plan. Currently, there are many more internal renovations and new branches being constructed. When the building campaign ends in 2004, another 19 new libraries will be completed. This plan will ensure that each neighborhood or region of Chicago is served by modern and inviting facilities.

One Chicago architecture firm, Antunovich Associates, is heavily involved with the library projects. Brett Miller, a project architect with Antunovich, notes that an important reason for choosing masonry for the Chicago Public Library system was that masonry construction allows different branch libraries to reflect the rich contextual make-up of Chicago's neighborhoods. These neighborhoods have a strong tradition of masonry construction, a material that echoes Chicago's varied urban fabric.

A Unique Approach

Because so many projects are being designed and built in a fairly short time period, there is a special opportunity for the city to capitalize on economies of scale while creating a consistent identity for its libraries. Several buildings are based on a single prototype and share a strong resemblance. Miller noted, however, that each building is unique. The firm has learned from completed installations what could be improved and made revisions to each subsequent set of plans. They have also chosen different colors and finishes for the exteriors to best suit each location.

Masonry Does the Job

Few other materials could offer as much versatility or as many benefits suited to libraries or other institutional buildings-public spaces that receive heavy use on a daily basis. Among the most important benefits are:

• Fire safety
• Acoustics
• Aesthetics and community image
• Durability and low maintenance
• Structural versatility

Volumes of Visitors

A double-wythe wall, concrete masonry units on the inside and brick on the outside, allows for a layer of insulation between the walls and creates non-combustible construction with good looks.

As public buildings, libraries attract large numbers of people, so fire safety is a big concern. In Chicago, that concern is especially strong owing to the city's strict fire codes. These resulted in part from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. And since libraries house collections that still consist largely of print media, fires would have plenty of ready fuel to feed them. Non-combustible building materials, therefore, are a necessity. By choosing masonry, it is possible to eliminate sprinklers, which could damage books if set off accidentally. Masonry is an excellent solution both for human safety and for preserving valuable contents.

Though quiet and solitude are highly valued, libraries can be noisy places due to heavy usage. Masonry, with its mass, is a choice building material because it absorbs sounds and muffles noises that could pass through lighter weight construction. Good acoustics-and energy efficiency-were enhanced by the use of cavity wall construction with insulation between the face brick and interior concrete masonry units.

Another highly desirable benefit of masonry is its durability. Withstanding extreme hot and cold temperatures equally well, masonry protects the building's interior while standing up to the weather. Given Chicago's hot summers and harsh winters, it is reassuring to know that not only will the building resist temperature swings (keeping utility costs down), it will look good throughout and will require little maintenance to keep it attractive.

Masonry construction is structurally versatile, too. Masonry can be used as the structural system or as the cladding. This allows designers to choose the most efficient and cost-effective solution for every installation. Whether it makes sense to use reinforced masonry or another type of structural frame with a masonry veneer, either approach can be accommodated.

Rogers Park Branch

It is easy to create unusual shapes with masonry. The entry atrium is an asymmetrical element of the library that adds visual interest and incorporates large expanses of glass to allow good natural lighting.

Looking at the new libraries, one notices the strong resemblance. The Rogers Park building, dedicated in 1999, serves as a prototype for the Edgebrook and Austin-Irving branches. A structural steel building with masonry bearing walls, it contains about 16,000 square feet of space. In the interior, steel beams, columns, and open web roof joists support concrete slabs over corrugated steel floor decking for the main level, second level, and penthouse. The exterior is a red rustic ironspot brick finish with warm beige Indiana limestone base sills, lintels, and copings. All exterior wall glazing is clear insulated double pane glass in thermally broken aluminum frames with a 20-year coating. Some windows are operable. Outside the building, masonry is used for brick walls with limestone coping, while concrete and concrete pavers create durable walkways.

An Opportunity for Masonry

Masonry has played a large part in the updating of the Chicago Public Library system because it offers so many important benefits to administrators who run it and communities that it serves. With the need to replace aging structures with modern and spacious facilities, the outlook for new library construction — using masonry — looks positive.

 
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