A Pillar of Verse, Lyrical Integrity
Baltic Birch in Chicago's Poetry Building
"Our aim was to take simple, ordinary materials and make them special, like a poem does with words," Ronan said. "We were trying to achieve a transcendent materiality using very humble materials and then ennobling them in some way, similar to the way a poet creates an effect with language."
In keeping with this approach, Ronan used a reduced palette of materials to define and delineate the space. The building is constructed entirely of simple, ordinary materials: corrugated metal, concrete, glass and Baltic birch plywood. Ronan opted to use Baltic birch as the sole wood for shelving and paneling throughout the 22,000 square foot building, a choice that was based on both its structural and aesthetic attributes. A sturdy and uniform plywood, birch is, first of all, strong enough to support the heavy weight of books.
Baltic birch was specified also because of its lovely flaxen color and subtle, nuanced grain. While American birch can be somewhat pinkish, its Baltic cousin exudes a golden yellow tone that turns to a rich amber color with age.
A Pillar of Verse, Lyrical Integrity
Like a haiku, Baltic birch has an unassuming simplicity that made it ideal for this application in the Poetry Building.
Ronan used Baltic birch veneer for paneling in the library and the performance area, where poets give readings and the foundation holds seminars. The wood's subtle, recessive grain made it easy to match up adjacent panels and gave the paneling a consistent, cohesive look. By softly reflecting ambient light, the Baltic birch wood veneer imparts a gentle, honeyed aura to the rooms in the Poetry Building and visually connects the spatial tiers within the building's interior.
Ronan had used Baltic birch previously in other projects and was familiar with its properties. "I would definitely recommend this wood," he said. "It is a simple yet elegant material that is consistent with the material intentions of the project. We intentionally employed humble, ordinary materials, and attempted to make them special through their application and in their relation to the other materials in the project."
With the Poetry Building, Ronan has clearly accomplished this design aspiration. He has also helped the Poetry Foundation achieve its dual mission of enabling poets to pursue their art and bringing poetry to the public by making it visible and accessible. Since its opening in July 2011, the Poetry Building has been embraced by readers, writers and aficionados of poetry as an important addition to Chicago's vibrant cultural community. It stands as an artistic tribute to a city that is as affecting, dynamic, rhythmic, powerful, intense and vivid as any poem.
Baltic birch plywood panels and a simple elegant glass facade intertwine in a lyrical couplet throughout the interior space. Natural light plays off the glass and the amber-hued wood, infusing the atmosphere with a soft golden glow.
Frequently asked questions
What wood was used throughout the Poetry Foundation building in Chicago?+
Baltic birch was used as the sole wood for shelving and paneling throughout the 22,000 square foot building, including veneer paneling in the library and performance area.
Why was Baltic birch chosen over American birch for the Poetry Building?+
Baltic birch was selected for its flaxen, golden yellow tone that ages to a rich amber, whereas American birch can be somewhat pinkish. It also offered the structural strength needed to support heavy book loads and a subtle, uniform grain.
What materials did architect Ronan use to construct the Poetry Building?+
The building was constructed entirely of simple, ordinary materials: corrugated metal, concrete, glass and Baltic birch plywood. Ronan used this reduced palette to define and delineate the space.
How does Baltic birch veneer affect the interior atmosphere of the Poetry Building?+
The Baltic birch veneer softly reflects ambient light, imparting a gentle, honeyed aura to the rooms and visually connecting the spatial tiers within the interior. Its subtle, recessive grain also allowed adjacent panels to match seamlessly for a cohesive look.
When did the Poetry Foundation building open in Chicago?+
The Poetry Building opened in July 2011 and has since been embraced by readers, writers and poetry aficionados as an important addition to Chicago's cultural community.
Why is Baltic birch plywood suitable for library shelving?+
Baltic birch is a sturdy and uniform plywood that is strong enough to support the heavy weight of books, making it structurally well-suited for library applications.