Mansueto Library

Mansueto Library is the extension of the main library of the University of Chicago (Joseph Regenstein Library). Werner Sobek was responsible for the structural engineering of the new building, whose storage rooms are located in 15 m deep underground areas. It is characterised by an above-ground glazed steel lattice shell.

Glazed Steel Lattice Shell Spans the Ground Floor

The translational shell, geometrically constructed by 2 arches, is 36.5 m wide, 73 m long, 11 m high with a mesh width of two metres and spans the public areas on the ground floor. Inside are the “cubicles”, a series of all-glass cuboids that serve as study rooms. A 20-metre-long glazed steel bridge connects the extension to the existing building.

With 4.4 million books, the Regenstein Library is one of the largest libraries in the world.

By the way: The first nuclear chain reaction controlled by scientists took place in 1942 where the underground storage rooms are located today!

Werner Sobek was responsible for the structural engineering of the Mansueto Library, whose storage rooms are located at a depth of 15 metres.