The Cornell Law School serves as an iconic gateway to the Ithaca campus. The School’s three Collegiate Gothic buildings include its landmark library and Moot Court, and instructional, faculty and staff spaces. Following a Master Plan for the 200,000 sf School, ABA completed the first phase of renovations and expansion, preserving the School’s historic resources, re-purposing existing buildings, and accommodating growth without expanding the campus footprint.
Constructed below an existing lawn, a new Academic Center provides three state-of-the-art tiered classrooms and breakout spaces. A new accessible entry extends the composition of the historic buildings, welcoming students, faculty and visitors into a renovated lobby. The lobby provides an inviting setting for informal gatherings, and leads to the Academic Center and new Law School Commons.
Located in a former locker space, the Commons serves as a hinge between the Academic Center and the existing campus, and includes a servery and casual seating for 65. The Academic Center and Commons open out onto Purcell Court, a re-envisioned historic quad, enhancing the use of this primary but previously underutilized outdoor space. This project exceeds the University’s standards for sustainable design and has achieved LEED Platinum.
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