l i s l e , i l
size: 2,523 S.F. existing : 2,000 S.F. special collections addition : 4,523 S.F. total
cost: $1,800,000 completion: 2000
 entrance |
Arboretum Canopy Located in the pastoral setting of the Morton Botanical Arboretum, the Rare Books Facility houses an important collection of texts that are used for horticultural research. Scientists, horticulturists, arborists, teachers, and students alike come to the research center to use it’s resources. FGMarch recently redesigned the new entry/reception area, the new Special Collections addition to the Sterling Morton Library plus a refurbished library reading room. |
 canopy |
The new entry/reception area features a peaked gateway roofed in translucent panels. This structure is supported by slender steel columns, some with steel branches - an architectural echo of many of the surrounding trees. During the day, this new translucent gateway welcomes visitors, sunlight, and beautiful outdoor vistas inside. In the evening, the interior lights illuminate the night sky, casting a glow to welcome visitors inside. The 1,500 square foot fully accessible entry/reception area features a carpeted lounge area furnished with upholstered chairs where visitors can relax while waiting to participate in the many cultural and educational events hosted in the Cudahy Auditorium. |
| Built to safeguard the Morton Arboretum’s 5,000 volume rare book collection and more than 8,500 works of art, the new 1700 S.F. Special Collections addition incorporates the latest technology. Constructed like a thermos bottle, the addition has an airspace between the inner and outer walls for environmental control, as well as providing a firewall. It also is equipped with a waterless fire suppression system, low ultra-violet lighting and high tech temperature and humidity controls. Compact shelving units provide increased storage capacity and greater ease of access. A research room enables scholars to access rare book, artworks, and archival documents for study. |
 vault |
The existing library building has been refurbished with enhanced lighting, more research tables, additional shelving, new display tables, new display cases, and an expanded circulation desk. New UV-protected doors and windows will safeguard printed materials from damaging light while providing improved temperature control for the protection of library materials as well as the comfort of patrons. |
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