Pioneer architect designed libraries around the world

We lost a great name in architecture in June. Walter Netsch died of pneumonia at age 88. He was a design partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill from l947 to 1979.

Even early in his career Netsch showed himself to be something of an iconoclast. He designed buildings that were very different from the boxy International Style so prevalent in the l950s and '60s.

Netsch is credited with conceptualizing the first office building built in the Chicago Loop after the Depression. The Inland Steel Building, completed in l957, featured lots of inside, flexible space created by placing the structural columns on the outside of the building. Further space economies were realized by consolidating elevators and other service functions in a separate tower.

Netsch's design for the Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs featured 17 spires soaring some 150 feet heavenward. It was all aluminum, glass, and steel, not the usual stuff of sacred buildings, and was controversial when completed in 1963. But in l995 the American Institute of Architects named the Cadet Chapel the winner of the Twenty-Five Year Award, given annually to a 25 to 35 year-old project that has stood the test of time.

Netsch designed about 10 libraries around the world. Four can be found in the Chicago area: University Library at the University of Illinois Circle Campus (1961); Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology (1962); Northwestern University Library at Northwestern University (1964); and Joseph Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago (1970).

In speaking about designing the Long Library at Wells College, a structure Netsch considered to be one of his best buildings, he said, "It fit the concept of what a library should be - a place where you study, put the book on the floor, and read on the floor or on pillows. It's not regimented. It has volume, it has space and perception. It has small rooms that you can go to, especially on the bride. And it has native materials. It has brick and wood."

In designing the library at Northwestern, Netsch developed the designs over a six-year period in collaboration with the University's Planning Committee.

He said of the project, "The design and programming of Northwestern University Library was one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional life."

Netsch's connection with the Northwestern Library continued until the time of his death. He served with distinction as a life member of Northwestern University Library Board of Governors. In 2006 the library mounted an exhibition, "Walter Netsch and the Northwestern University Library," created by staff of the library's art collection. They also created a very interesting Web site, viewable at www.library.northwestern.edu/art/walternetsch/index.html.

Netsch worked with staff on these projects and his legendary larger than life personality generated much enthusiasm. A book was proposed and created with Netsch's participation. "Walter A. Netsch, FAIA: A Critical Appreciation and Sourcebook" was published by the Library and Northwestern University Press shortly before Netsch's death earlier this summer. Russell Clement, head of the art collection, said that Netsch saw the book before his death and was very pleased.

Listen to the podcast of my conversation with librarians working in Chicago area Walter A. Netsch libraries atlibrarybeat.org. My special guests are Sarah Pritchard, Charles Deering McCormick, university librarian at Northwestern University; Russ Clement, head of the art collection at Northwestern University Library; and Christopher Stewart, dean of libraries at the Illinois Institute of Technology.