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Austin Hall Renovation
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Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA

A sensitive restoration and renovation renews a landmark law school building

The comprehensive interior renovation and exterior restoration of this 1883 H.H. Richardson building required close collaboration with the Cambridge Historical Commission throughout the design process. The project yielded teaching spaces that better met current needs, additional usable space in the attic and basement, and dramatically improved accessibility and systems.

This treasured landmark is the first building constructed in the U.S. specifically for a law school. We developed a comprehensive master renovation plan for the entire building which led to a complete, phased exterior and interior renewal project. Our overriding priority was to return to the consistent use of materials and richness of palette and details that existed in the original design of Austin Hall, adapting where necessary for contemporary uses and teaching styles.

This renovation resulted in:

  • Significant reconfiguration of the four largest teaching spaces, including integration of audiovisual and telecommunications technologies
  • Replacement of all mechanical and electrical systems, lighting, and acoustics
  • Dramatic improvement of life-safety accessibility by the sensitive insertion of an elevator and a new fire stair, as well as in-ground lifts that serve the classrooms
  • Additional usable space reclaimed in the attic and basement
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PROGRAM

  • Three major lecture halls (two 137-seat rooms, one 200-seat room)
  • Ames Courtroom (293 seats) and Morgan Courtroom
  • Offices for clinical law programs
  • Improved accessibility and technology

Size

47,000 GSF RENOVATION

AWARDS & PUBLICATIONS

  • Outstanding Building: American School & University Portfolio
  • Award of Excellence: American Institute of Architects, New England Regional Council
  • First Award, Restoration Category: New England Masonry Design Awards
  • Award of Excellence: Architectural Woodwork Institute
  • Tucker Award: Building Stone Institute

PHOTOGRAPHER

© Steve Rosenthal
© Richard Mandelkorn

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Sustainability & Resilience

At Goody Clancy, our environmental philosophy is founded upon macro-resiliency in planning for neighborhoods and communities and the sustainable design of new and renewed buildings, systems, and the user environment.

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