Ryerson and Burnham Libraries in the Art Institute of Chicago
The jade-painted walls of the libraries are a soothing antidote to the traffic, drum chorus and Streetwise sellers shouting outside the Art Institute and the surging patrons inside the doors. Researchers come to the libraries to trawl the archival collections, Art Institute records, catalogues and reference materials. Writers and dreamers can hide away in an alcove or set their computers at a large table in this tranquil room, illuminated by a Louis Millet skylight and green glass desk lamps. Those inclined to procrastination can turn off social media and gaze instead at the artworks on the walls and atop the stacks.
