Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECT:
Saint John’s University is an architectural gem. The Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey safeguard the largest collection of Marcel Breuer buildings in North America, more in number than Mies buildings at IIT. The architect followed the spirit of UNESCO conservation protocol to ensure that to the greatest extent possible modifications made to Breuer’s Alcuin Library could be reversible.
– Moved collections into high density mobile shelving systems to make Grand Reading Room a social learning experience
– Created perimeter offices and studies by augmenting alcoves between buttresses and beneath sun shades in the original design
– Developed light towers to augment original pendant fixtures with indirect lighting in the Grand Reading Room
Created University Archives with maximum glass to showcase it as an academic resource
– Maintained integrity of original architectural artifact
– Inserted new elevator with glass smoke exhaust chimney
– New paint, acoustic treatment, ebonized oak millwork
– New mechanical, electrical, plumbing, data & wireless systems