Designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, the library comprises 335,000 sf with two levels of below-grade parking. The structure is organized into two wings enclosed within a vast five-story glass galleria connected by bridges. A steel-framed, domed planetarium will rise above the fourth floor of the north wing. Retail and gallery space will also be included in the overall design.
Also working on the project are local architects, Architectural Alliance. Mortenson is the construction firm.
A reinforced concrete frame allows flexible arrangement of book stacks and partitions while concrete ceilings create enough storage space to house its 2.5 million-item collection. Mechanical and electrical systems are hidden from view within a raised floor surface. A signature feature is the zinc-clad atrium roof, which cantilevers about 65 ft over the plaza.
The project will be managed out of the Chicago offices of Thornton-Tomasetti. The Thornton-Tomasetti Group Inc. is a 430-person, international engineering and design firm, headquartered in New York City. It provides a cross-section of services to building industry clients through its three divisions.
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