University of Houston, John M. O’Quinn Law Building Tour

Join us for a tour of the new John M. O’Quinn Law Building at the University of Houston

Wednesday, July 20, 4pm

Address: 4170 Martin Luther King Blvd. 

AIA Credit: 1.0 LU

The new John M. O’Quinn Law Building is one of the latest projects at the University of Houston, designed by Shepley Bulfinch and built by Austin Commercial, with partners SWA, Walter P Moore, Shah Smith, Langan, and NV5.

This new building for the Law Center is currently under construction to be opened by Fall of 2022. The new 178,600 square foot, 5-story building will promote community engagement and a modern, interdisciplinary legal education in a student-focused environment. The building will include instructional spaces, advocacy skills labs, student areas, courtroom and event facilities, faculty and administration offices, student services, legal clinics, and a law library.

A series of double height spaces connected with communicating stairs provide flexible collaboration areas for both study and events, with a palette of natural materials and textures that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These spaces create opportunities for serendipitous social connections to take place, strengthening the sense of community within the Law Center.

Supporting diversity and inclusion is one of the top priorities and key design drivers at the University of Houston Law Center. All visitors enter through one front door to create a sense of equality for students, faculty, and members of the Houston Community for whom the Law Center provides essential legal services within its legal clinics. The centrally located main entry is framed by a perforated screen, providing views to within and welcoming access to the Center.

A variety of study spaces in the library give options from collaborative group study to focused individual study allowing students to choose the environment that most closely supports their needs. A daylit reading room, student lounge, and more casual seating areas ensure the building is a place for all members of the community to thrive and feel welcomed. A meditation room and all-gender restrooms are important design features that support the University’s goal of inclusion.

The building is carefully placed in the northeast corner of campus with community spaces that frame views to the city creating an iconic image for the Law Center while expressing its important connection to the community and City of Houston. The location responds to the long-term goals of the campus plan and pedestrian networks, while the creative use of campus materials ground it within its context. The dynamic facade interacts with sunlight and shadows, allowing the building to seemingly transform at different times of day.

Cost:

• AIA, AIA Assoc. and AIAH Affiliate Member - $5
• Non-Member - $10