Wolf Law Library Addition and Renovation
The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Rich in history and stature, the Marshall-Wythe School of Law Wolf Law Library has the unique distinction of being America’s first law school library. Over the past two hundred years, the Law Library, like the law school, has developed into a prestigious institution. HSMM designed renovations and a new addition to the existing facility, which was constructed in 1980.
The new east façade features a semi-circular window bay reducing solar heat gain and allowing library patrons to view the adjacent wooded ravine. A skylight installed above the new open stair brings natural light into the library’s interior. Now nearly all of the library’s 568 seats enjoy natural light. New features in the updated facility include a new Rare Book Room that allows students and visitors to view important legal literature from the past 500 years as well as school artifacts such as the Marshall-Wythe Mace and Chief Justice John Marshall’s Bible.
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Sitting adjacent to the historic Colonial Williamsburg and the picturesque Colonial Parkway, strong emphasis was placed on exterior aesthetics during construction. By working closely with the College’s horticulturist, HSMM was able to maintain monumental oak trees which aesthetically soften the building and hide it from the Colonial Parkway.
The Wolf Law Library Design won the Hampton Roads Chapter American Institute of Architects Design Award, 2008. |
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