University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

Contemporary U of A Poetry Center is a Naturally Lit Work of Art in Tuscon

08/29/2011

University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

Poetry may be a dying art, but <a href="http://www.lineandspace.com/Projects/UA_Poetry.html">Line and Space LLC</a> have shed plenty of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/seattles-ballard-library-pairs-a-sweeping-green-roof-with-natural-light/">natural light</a> on one of America's most impressive contemporary collections at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Although it goes far to illuminate words for poetry lovers, Arizona's harsh desert sun requires a lot of mechanical cooling and has a harsh impact on paper, which is why the architects had to come up with inventive ways to restrict how much light comes into this massive building. Several passive interventions reduce the Helen S. Schaefer Poetry Center's massive energy load without ruining the reading experience. And to enhance the reading experience, an inviting bamboo garden was added onto the building's quieter end.

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University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

This center opened in 2008 houses 50,000 shelved volumes of poetry

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University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

That have to be protected from the harsh desert sun

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University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

While at the same time creating enough natural light to enhance poetry reading

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University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

Punched out translucent roof planes diffuse the light

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University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

And southern windows are protected by overhangs that protect from solar gain

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University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

These also create a shaded outdoor performance center

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University of Arizona Poetry Center by Line and Space

While the bamboo garden provides a green, reflective space in which to enjoy the peace and quiet that poetry often requires!

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Poetry may be a dying art, but Line and Space LLC have shed plenty of natural light on one of America's most impressive contemporary collections at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Although it goes far to illuminate words for poetry lovers, Arizona's harsh desert sun requires a lot of mechanical cooling and has a harsh impact on paper, which is why the architects had to come up with inventive ways to restrict how much light comes into this massive building. Several passive interventions reduce the Helen S. Schaefer Poetry Center's massive energy load without ruining the reading experience. And to enhance the reading experience, an inviting bamboo garden was added onto the building's quieter end.

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