Cheryl Kent

When it came time to write a guide to Chicago's contemporary architecture (still forthcoming, even though I've been working on it for nearly five years) I loaded up on relevant books to get me back into a Chicago state of mind – important having moved from Chicago to NYC in 2006. Some of these books were guides or overviews of the city's built environment, but I also tried to find case studies when available. One of the buildings I was lucky with was the Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies, located on Michigan Avenue and designed Krueck + Sexton, one of the city's best architecture firms. The petite building fits into the avenue's streetwall (now a landmark), although the folded glass wall stands out from its context. Inside is a complex section that brings light to the deepest spaces via skylights, and spaces that overlook Grant Park and Lake Michigan through fritted glass panes.

This slim book from the Spertus Institute that came after its 2007 opening celebrates the building through large color photos, an essay by Cheryl Kent, and numerous drawings and model shots from the architects. Although adding up to only 64 pages, these three parts do a remarkably good job at explaining the building's origins, design and qualities that make it one of the best Chicago buildings this century.… (mais)