The Illinois Institute of Technology campus, based in Chicago, is a landmark of modern architecture. Mies van der Rohe designed both the masterplan and the buildings, including the school of architecture, the Crown Hall, one of the most famous masterpieces of the twentieth century.
The architect designed a very precise masterplan for the campus, which followed a rule of symmetry that was not completely respected once the campus was built.
That’s why, we chose to go back to the original masterplan and its alignments, designing with the ground floor the assumed area reserved for the original building, a specular reflection of the Perlstain Hall.
The compositional and structural module used is taken by the module of the Perlstain Hall which is 7,3×7,3 m.
The limit of the area is outlined by a green marble wall where the volume of the Memorial Library is welcome. The inside volume is smaller than the entire perimeter and this difference creates two open patios to the North and the South
The roof of the building consists by the composition of square modules supported by steel cruciform pillars, place in the middle of the square. From the inside, the approach of the elements which they never touch each other, makes the roof with lines of light becoming a particular pattern.
The element of the fence and the element of the roof are distinct and clear. In fact, the perimeter wall is lower than the total height of the building and the interior volume is closed only by glass panels that allow the distinct legibility of these two elements.
The inside space has a central core with full-height walls, in which the auditorium is located, and appears free and without load-bearing wall elements in all the other parts. Low wooden partitions mark the functions inside the two large halls to the north and south and a balcony rotates around the central core defining the views on the double heights of the two halls.
1. ENTRANCE and RECEPTION _ 190m2
2. BOOK RESEARCH and BORROW STATION _ 40m2
Some of the desk and computers are available close to the entrance to check the location and the availability of the collection’s volumes
3. COFFEE AREA _ 40m2
4. OPEN BOOK COLLECTION _ 790m2
the book collections is located on two levels one above di others. The double height spot are reserved for student and reading activities.
5. GROUP WORK and CONSULTATION AREA _ 200m2
People who needs to work in team can find some multiple station in thi area. The location of these desks, far from the main study room, does not require silence so members can talk to each other. Here students can also find some seats to consult the books from the collection
6. COPY STATION AND COMPUTER POINT _ 100m2
Close to the book area students can find printers and computers for scanning/printing/copy documents or books
7. STUDY ROOM _ 750m2
All the studying/research activities are located on the south side of the building because of the need of quiet. The room is 8m high and has its own patio which can be used to study outside during summer. High windows and the glass curtain wall on the patio guarantee natural light inside the room.
8. ADMINISTRATION _ 150m2
9. AUDITORIUM _ 150m2
the auditorium Is directly connected with the main entrance for a detached work of the library if needed. It can also be used when the library is open thanks to its outer walls that guarantee the sound isolation.
10. BATHROOMS _ 65m2
11. MIES COMPLETE COLLECTION _ 370m2
The complete collection is located in a separated room on the first floor, it is closed to the public and visitable under appointment only.
12. RESERVED RESEARCH STATIONS _ 200m2
These desks are reserved to people who are consulting material from the complete collection under supervision. The stations have a view on the double height of the main study room.
