To accentuate the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this library in downtown Chicago, we employed a variety of lighting strategies. Indirect lighting highlights the timber ceiling, while a combination of small linear pendants and larger cylinder fixtures run down the center of the space to provide functional downlighting. We took advantage of the architectural millwork of the bookshelves to install cove lighting, which grazes the historic brick walls and highlights the large “West Loop” lettering. Overall, our aim was to design an atmosphere that welcomes Chicagoans into the library, incentivizing them to read, study, and build community within its walls.
