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The Reg + Helmut Jahn = Crystal Castles
By Mark | May 12, 2008
The University of Chicago is getting a snazzy new library addition (and the books aren’t going to be placed off-site for the foreseeable future) thanks to a new Regenstein Library addition that will be comepleted in 2010.
I like the design, and more importantly I like the fact that the books are not going to moved to a remote location. Information management is one of the key factors that determines the long-term success of a research and educational institution, and having the books readily available to the students and staff is a aprt of that. A lot of research is done online, which is a good thing, a revolutionary thing, but having the printed word still available at the center of campus, physically and conceptually, is also important. Until Google Scholar successfully uploads all the books in the world, it will probably remain important. Libraries in general (not just college libraries) are information gateways with the availability of internet access, electronic editions, and, heaven helps us, microfiche. Keeping the books available along with the new media only makes it easier to study, criticize, and create.
Plus, this building gives me a reason to bring up the old video game Crystal Castles. I adored that game. Only Super Mario Brothers 3, the Legend of Zelda, and the Final Fantasy series (before it just became an excuse for anime video sequences) occupied more of my life.
From the Chicago Tribune article:
Designed by Chicago architect Helmut Jahn, the library is expected to open in 2010 and will be named for Joe Mansueto, chairman and chief executive officer of Morningstar Inc., and his wife, Rika. The Mansuetos, U. of C. alumni, contributed $25 million toward the $80 million cost of the building.
Topics: Education, Architecture, UChicago | Trackback | Comments RSS
May 13th, 2008 at 6:15 am
even if all the books in the world eventually get uploaded by google, it still won’t take the place of in-person research. i don’t know that there will ever be a substitute for open-stack searching, where you’re as likely to find the specific book you want as you are an even more useful one, sitting two books down. (unless you’re looking for a particular volume of the atlantic reporter, in which case the adjacent books do you no good at all. but then, who does case research on paper anymore?)