The landmark University of Arizona Poetry Center is named one of 25 must-see buildings in Arizona by USA Today.
The Helen S. Schaefer Building, opened in 2007, is a 17,500-square-foot facilty designed by Line and Space LLC, bringing a contemporary note to the UA campus.
Architect Les Wallach employed a design principle called 'a progression toward solitude.' As visitors move from west to east through the building's meeting and gathering spaces, they experience a gradual retreat into the peaceful solitude of the library collection.
The building houses one of the most comprehensive and fully accessible contemporary poetry libraries in the nation, a collection of more than 80,000 items, including books, journals, recordings, broadsides, and an archive of approximately 3,000 photographic portraits of poets. The Poetry Center hosts a wealth of free, public events, including readings, workshops, family days and more.
Named in honor of leading arts supporter Dr. Helen S. Schaefer, the building has received prestigious design awards:
• 2012 Honorable Mention, New Landmark Libraries, Library Journal
• 2009 AIA Arizona Citation Award for Design
• 2009 Tucson’s Favorite Public Architecture, Tucson Home
• 2008 AIA Southern Arizona Award for Design
• Southwest Contractor Best of 2008 Award for Interior Design
• Arizona Masonry Guild 18th Annual Excellence in Masonry Design Award