Flaxman Library Renovation at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago by Kwong Von Glinow

The Flaxman Library at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has undergone a remarkable transformation led by Kwong Von Glinow Architecture. This renovation seamlessly connects two previously isolated floors, redefining the library’s spatial experience and enhancing accessibility, natural light, and community engagement.

A Bold "Open Book" Concept

The design team introduced an "open book" approach by uniting the fifth and sixth floors, allowing visitors to engage with the library’s collections while witnessing the crucial work of librarians. The project fosters a visually and physically connected environment, breaking away from the library’s former disjointed structure.

Located within Chicago’s historic Sharp Building, originally designed in 1902 by Holabird & Roche Architects, the renovation highlights the ingenuity of its steel-frame structure. A narrow but expansive five-foot-wide atrium, stretching 100 feet in length, vertically links the two levels. To maintain historical integrity, sections of the original clay tile arch were carefully removed, exposing structural beams and celebrating the building’s architectural legacy.

Maximizing Functionality with Corridor +

At the heart of the redesign is Corridor +, a dynamic 1,000-square-foot circulation and study area. This gently curving passageway stretches the building’s entire length, integrating semi-private reading nooks, flexible study spaces, and glazed storefronts that offer glimpses into archival storage and librarian workspaces. The strategic use of natural light enhances transparency while making deeper library spaces more inviting.

The design optimizes library storage, accommodating additional bookshelves without compromising study spaces. By reorganizing the layout efficiently, the project enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

A Floating Staircase as a Sculptural Element

One of the renovation’s most striking features is the floating steel staircase, which physically and symbolically connects the two floors. Constructed from ½-inch steel plate with exposed welds and a natural patina finish, the staircase maintains an industrial yet refined aesthetic. The White Oak handrails contrast beautifully against the dark metal, adding warmth and tactility. Suspended just ½ inch above the ground, the stair appears to hover, reinforcing the project's emphasis on lightness and fluidity.

Enhancing Community, Light, and Accessibility

Beyond aesthetics, the renovation significantly improves the Flaxman Library’s usability by:

• Increasing community-oriented spaces for collaboration and study
• Introducing more natural light through a reimagined floor plan
• Expanding book storage without sacrificing user-friendly design
• Creating a flexible Reading Room for classes and individual research
• Improving navigation through visual and physical continuity

This thoughtful renovation successfully transforms the Flaxman Library into a modern, connected, and accessible learning hub that aligns with SAIC’s mission of fostering creativity, research, and collaboration.

All Photographs are works of Mikael Olsson