The future of urban life no longer unfolds on city streets but within architectural organisms that blur the boundaries between physical and virtual realms—a transformation masterfully embodied by Chicago's Harold Washington Library (HWL). It redefines contemporary urbanism by being an interior urbanism through the integration of Koolhaas' “city within a city” theory, existing as what Webber would call an urban place, and virtual urbanism by existing as an urban realm. Hence mobilizing the physical and digital to revitalize public life. From the climate-controlled corridors of mega-malls to the intricate networks of underground pedestrian tunnels, modern cities are increasingly moving inward.This idea is echoed in Koolhaas' “city within a city”1 theory which envisions architecture transcending mere containment to become an autonomous urban ecosystem. His analysis of the skyscraper reveals a metabolic system of programmatic layers—a self-sufficient vertical city orchestrating complex social choreographies within its volumetric boundaries. This architectural evolution transforms the traditional horizontal plane of urban life into a vertical landscape of interconnected experiences. This reconceptualization redefines what constitutes an urban place. Under Koolhaas' framework, a structure must embody urban characteristics—multi-functionality, social connectivity, spatial diversity, and public accessibility—to generate Interior Urbanism. This concept manifests when a building internalizes these essential urban elements, creating a condensed microcosm of city life that spans from vibrant social spaces to contemplative zones, all within a cohesive indoor environment. Within Koolhaas's urban taxonomy, HWL bridges the concepts of horizontal superblocks and vertical skyscrapers. Unlike traditional skyscrapers that prioritize physical needs, HWL redefines verticality to serve intellectual pursuits. Its spatial organization incorporates programmatic layering, blending lateral connectivity with vertical autonomy. This design echoes Chicago's urban makeup, where mixed-use buildings place public commercial areas on lower levels and private spaces above. Similarly, HWL's lower floors host vibrant public areas like the Popular and Children's libraries, while upper levels offer private research and administrative spaces, choreographing a journey from communal to individual scholarship that mirrors Chicago's social stratification. Through Webber's urban theory lens, HWL becomes a vertical theater of social exchange. His urbanity framework—rooted in human interaction and community—shapes the library's spatial DNA. From vibrant communal spaces on the ground floor to serene, contemplative zones above, the library crafts a spectrum of social experiences that culminate in 1 Rem Koolhaas, “The Double Life of Utopia: the Skyscraper,” Delirious New York (New York: The Monacelli Press, 1994).pp.89 14th November, 2024 Toluwalogo Oluyede.
the Winter Gardens tranquil sanctuary. This careful layering transforms HWL into both a social hub and a catalyst for knowledge, fostering an ecosystem where diverse communities unite in shared intellectual pursuits. The library employs a deliberate "vertical schism"2 across floors as each serves a distinct purpose, and work together as a unified whole, rather than a seamless flow from one function to another. Each floor of the library features distinct thematic zones—such as Business/Science, Social Sciences, and Philosophy—creating a structured discontinuity that challenges traditional spatial continuity. This approach mirrors the skyscraper's vertical schism, allowing each floor a unique purpose within a cohesive structure. Like Koolhaas’s skyscraper, the library resists a single identity across levels, fostering a layered, nonlinear exploration of knowledge. Just like the Skyscraper, HWL presents a pragmatic approach to camouflage of the subversions of Coney Island as it employs the “elevators”. Ostensibly mere tools for vertical transport, become mechanical vessels carrying visitors between distinct worlds similar parallels can be seen in the paraphernalia of efficiency in creation of office spaces3 in the skyscraper. The elevator does not only act as a fantastic technology masquerading as purely pragmatic4 but unifies the architectural repetition of the library's floors into a cohesive entity. The ninth-floor Winter Garden serves as a glass-enclosed oasis above the city, providing a space for escape and contemplation reminiscent of Coney Island's attractions. The Winter Garden works with the Maker Lab, Patron Services, and Chicago Author Room to establish distinct spatial boundaries while maintaining individual character. Reminiscent of Gruen's anchor tenant theory, these spaces are woven together by architectural landmarks (fig.1)5—the Garden's luminous canopy, cascading military dog tags, water fountains—that guide circulation while stimulating curiosity. Thus, HWL transcends conventional typologies, embodying Koolhaas's 'city within a city', Webber’s urban place and Interior Urbanism through its internalization of urban complexity.
2 Koolhaas, “Double Life of Utopia”,105 3 Koolhaas, “Double Life of Utopia”,87 4 Ibid 5 Captures the military dog tags, as a landmark, and library’s space organizer–escalators–acting as a vertical transition point, connecting the distinct realms of the lower public floors and the upper specialized areas. This visually supports the library's "vertical schism" by creating a clear separation and discontinuity between the different floors and programmatic zones. 14th November, 2024 Toluwalogo Oluyede.
Beyond the urban place lies an expansive realm that transcends the boundaries of interior urbanism. This idea is echoed in Mitchell's concept of "’community without propinquity,’"6 which argues that an urban realm7 is defined by the social interactions and connections that exist independently of physical proximity. In this framework, an urban realm encompasses not just the geographic characteristics of a city but also the virtual networks and relationships that link individuals across distances. An urban realm is defined by its ability to foster community and engagement through various means, including digital communication and social media. This interconnectedness enables the formation of communities based on shared interests rather than physical proximity. Consequently, virtual urbanism arises as a subset of the urban realm, relying on digital technologies to create and maintain these connections. In virtual urbanism, the essence of urban life—social exchange, cultural interactions, and collective experiences—surpasses physical boundaries. It highlights the importance of digital infrastructure in shaping urban identity and community dynamics, demonstrating how contemporary urban environments can flourish beyond traditional geographic limits. Together, the urban realm and virtual urbanism offer a broader understanding of community in today’s interconnected world. By virtue of this,knowledge pursued at HWL transcends its physical boundaries, as the library fosters connections and learning opportunities that go beyond its physical premises. The incorporation of spaces like the Virtual Reality Stations in the You Media Lab and public computer stations reminiscent of classic internet cafes creates new opportunities for public interaction, fostering a sense of community that transcends geographical limitations. Online discussion forums facilitate engagement among "interest communities,"8 enabling connections that would be challenging to forge in the library's vertical cityscape, where the density of patrons diminishes with elevation due to the specialized nature of interests. This notion of a "true community"9 that nourishes intellectual curiosity is further realized through virtual channels, which evolve traditional library spaces into dynamic communication systems, allowing access to those both near and far. The introduction of features like online librarian chat enhances the library’s accessibility, accommodating patrons unable to visit in person, while hybrid workshops and programs invite participation from diverse communities, bridging distances and enriching the collective experience of knowledge sharing.
6 William J. Mitchell, “Getting Together,” e-topia: Urban Life Jim - But Not As We Know It(Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2000). pp. 93 7 Melvin Webber, “The Urban Place and the Non-place Urban Realm,” Explorations into Urban Structure (Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1964), pp. 108 8 Ibid 9 Webber, “The Urban Place and the Non-Place Urban Realm”, 110 14th November, 2024 Toluwalogo Oluyede.
While HWL's virtual infrastructure expands knowledge access, it creates new spatial tensions within the library's social fabric. Digital platforms risk diminishing spontaneous public interactions, replacing them with curated digital exchanges. This impacts communities lacking digital literacy or access, deepening social disparities. Yet HWL's Interior Urbanism approach confronts these challenges by strategically reweaving the physical and digital realms. Through carefully orchestrated thematic zones - from contemplative study areas to collaborative hubs - the library cultivates a hybrid environment where planned and serendipitous encounters coexist. This delicate balance between virtual accessibility and physical interaction embodies HWL's success as an urban place, where digital connectivity enhances rather than replaces the vital pulse of public life.
HWL, thus exemplifies the concept of interior
urbanism and virtual urbanism by the integration of urban place and realms, (fig.2)10 creating an immersive urban experience where both aspects complement each other. By blending digital connectivity with vibrant physical spaces, HWL fosters spontaneous interactions and meaningful community engagement. This balance revitalizes public life, positioning the library as a vital hub of knowledge and social interaction that serves diverse community needs in today's interconnected world.
10 Shows a diverse group of people using the public computer stations which visually demonstrates how HWL blends digital and physical elements to foster community engagement and knowledge sharing. 14th November, 2024 Toluwalogo Oluyede.
Working Bibliography
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Rem Koolhaas, “The Double Life of Utopia: the Skyscraper,” Delirious New York (New York: The
Monacelli Press, 1994). pp. 80 - 159
Victor Gruen, “Shopping Centers: the New Building Type,” Progressive Architecture, June 1952.
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William J. Mitchell, “Getting Together,” e-topia: Urban Life Jim - But Not As We Know It
Creativity in Architecture as a Precursor of an Evolving Cultural Development - Case Study_ Ars Aevi, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Creativity in Architecture as a Precursor of an Evolving Cultural Development - Case Study_ Ars Aevi, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
