In 2009 Lohan Anderson was commissioned by the Public Building Commission of Chicago to develop design guidelines and a building program for the design of prototype branch libraries to be located throughout the city. The primary objectives were to establish standards for egalitarian representation of the Library throughout the city; set standards for practical and economical means and methods of operation of the library facilities; and the incorporation of sustainable design.

At 16,300 sf, the Richard M. Daley Branch Library was one of the large prototypes realized by Lohan Anderson and is located northwest of downtown Chicago in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood. Clerestory windows flood the two story high reading room with natural light. The building site is landscaped with native plant materials, including a bioswale, extending the learning experience to the outdoors.

Completed: 2011
Architect and Interior Designer: Lohan Anderson
Awards: LEED Gold Certification