george washington university - law school washington,...

cox graae + spack architects 2909 m street nw washington dc 20007 te l 202.965.7070 fax 202.965.7144 www.cgsa rch i tec ts .com

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSIT Y - LAW SCHOOLWashington, DC

In multiple phases from 1995 through to 2007, CG+S has worked towards completion of a master plan with the Law School for a series of renovations and major additions at Stuart, Lisner, President’s House, Burns, Stockton and Lerner Halls that have ultimately transformed the physical and technological stature of the school, which combined with its faculty and academic standards has propelled it into the top 20 Law schools in the country.

These projects engaged multiple Law School committees, administrations, faculty, and student organizations and of course - for the new construction - all of the expected review and approvals processes with citizen’s groups, DC and federal agencies that are attendant with any Foggy Bottom project. These improvements were carried out over time and mostly constructed during the summer in order to minimize disruption to students and faculty.

The overall goal of the renovations and additions was to provide new and upgraded facilities throughout the complex for the



administration, faculty and students programmatic needs, while physically linking all the buildings and floors of the expanding Law School. A master materials, finishes, FFE and design and detailing standards was established at the outset and implemented as portions of the school were renovated/expanded. The single most visible element that underwent multiple renovations and expansions was the Burns Law Library

Burns Law Library Phase 1CG+S’ work at the Law School started in 1995 with our first commission to renovate the main Burns Law Library with a new entrance, circulation, office/support spaces, special collections, computer research stations, study areas and a 2 story reading room arranged to provide multi-use capabilities with modular furniture that could be easily rearranged or stored to accommodate seminars, lectures and receptions.

‘E’ Building/President’s HouseThe George Washington University Law School is a prestigious presence within the Foggy Bottom campus in downtown Washington, D.C. In 1995, the school engaged cg+s to begin an ambitious master-planned program of renovations and expansion, which continues to this day. The key to this plan was integrating the free-standing Landmarked President’s House at the intersection of 20th and G streets to seamlessly interconnect the school’s adjacent buildings and continue its clockwise expansion around the University’s Main Quad. This combined structure provides the cornerstone to the campus for the first major addition since 1984, consolidating once dispersed functions into the school’s administrative headquarters. The project design solution involved the complex task of saving the unique exteriors of several individual historic landmark townhouses (the interiors of which were in significant disrepair and could not reasonably be adapted to the university’s requirements) and weaving sympathetic new infill construction behind, below and to either side.

Lisner & Stuart Halls As a part of the Law School’s continued master-planned expansion around George Washington University’s Main Quad, this project added two existing structures to the complex. Phase I involved a comprehensive renovation including full window replacement and exterior renovations to provide faculty offices, student services, eight seminar/classrooms, two tiered classrooms (one which can serve as a Moot Court), and a large computer lab. Phase II completed the renovation of Lisner Hall, providing additional offices, conference rooms, a Student Lounge and Conference Center and a new foodservice venue. All teaching spaces are provided with full audiovisual, including wireless computer teaching controls, voice enhancement and assisted listening, fiber-optic wiring, LCD projection systems, smart podiums with full wireless lighting, projection and audio controls, multi cameras with video streaming for live and off-air transmissions - all centralized for taping, feed and broadcasting to the Law School’s Media Control.

Stockton & Burns Halls Burns Law Library Phase 2This project completed the renovations of Burns and



Stockton Halls with a major reconfiguration of the Law Library’s upper floors to introduce a new second Library entrance, a primary circulation path connecting adjacent buildings (while maintaining the Library’s secure envelope) and a new main reading room, stacks, study areas, lounges, secure staffed entrance, support areas, Lexus/Westlaw research center, copy center, and large computer lab. The design continues to apply the master-planned finishes, high-end millwork, and exhibits/displays program to promote the Law School’s history and donors. The design and specification include custom tables, chairs, and lighting for these specialized spaces. Additional scope on other floors included renovations for new faculty offices, classrooms, moot court, conference rooms and rest rooms. All construction was required to be completed in the Summer break period while the building was occupied.

Stockton & Lerner HallsA major upgrade was undertaken for the teaching spaces involving complete upgrade of the aesthetics, seating and tables, accessibility, telecommunications, audiovisual, acoustics, lighting and fire and life safety systems of its main classroom buildings and physical connectivity. Renovated and new teaching and meeting spaces five 125 to 225-seat tiered class/lecture rooms, eight flat floor 30 to 80 seat classrooms, seminar and conference rooms and public/common areas. All teaching spaces were provided with full audiovisual technology, including wireless computer teaching controls, voice reinforcement and assisted listening, fiber-optic wiring, LCD projection systems, smart podiums with full wireless lighting, projection and audio controls, multi cameras with video streaming for live and off-air transmissions – all centralized for taping, feed and broadcasting to the new Law School’s Media Control Center. Classrooms were also fitted with integrated recessed electric projections screens, vertical sliding display systems, and custom-fabricated, wired strip tables and swivel seating, complimented by new floor, wall and ceiling finishes.



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george washington university - law school washington,...

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