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The Poetry Foundation-John RonanThe <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Poetry Foundation</a>, designed by <a href="http://jrarch.com/#/projects/institutional/poetry_foundation/story_2" target="_blank">John Ronan Architects,</a> is a daring ode to the structure of a poem. Located in Chicago, the building provides space for a library, exhibitions and the offices of <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/" target="_blank">Poetry Magazine</a>. The building's volume is composed of a series of layers, not unlike a poem, and visitors to the foundation move through and between them to understand the space in its entirety. With a perforated screen on the exterior, the building accepts filtered sunlight for a tranquil experience inside, which is augmented by an interior garden space. A partial green roof, use of recycled materials and energy efficient strategies will help this building attain a LEED Silver certification.1
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanLocated in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, the new home for the <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Poetry Foundation</a> is a building in dialogue with a garden.2
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanThe courtyard garden acts as another room inside the space and serves as an urban sanctuary.3
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanVisitors access the building through the garden and instantly see the double height library, which welcomes them into this literary space.4
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanInside, the foundation features performance space, gallery and library on the ground floor, while office spaces are located on the second level.5
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanViews of the garden can be seen throughout the building, especially from the performance space where visitors can listen to poets read their work with the garden as the backdrop.6
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanThe building is surrounded by a perforated screen, which works to protect the building from the elements, while filtering natural daylight into the space to create a soft and pleasant light.7
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanThe project is aiming for LEED Silver certification and has integrated a number of sustainable design strategies and energy-efficient systems.8
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanBesides the garden space, the building enjoys a partial green roof.9
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanMany materials were locally sourced and/or produced from renewable or recycled sources.10
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanThe project <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/foundation/announcement/186292" target="_blank">was completed in June of 2011</a> and is now open to the public.11
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanViews from inside the library over the garden.12
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanThe perforated rain/shade screen surrounds the building.13
The Poetry Foundation-John RonanThe garden space is its own room.14
