Joe & Loretta Scott Hall

Overview

Challenge

The decision to expand into downtown St. Louis and strengthen ties within the local legal community presented Saint Louis University and the design team with a challenge: transform a 1960s-era building into a contemporary, state-of-the-art landmark, building on the university’s 200-year tradition and reflecting the School of Law’s reputation for outstanding teaching, scholarship and service. Design objectives for the project included creating an environment that instills inspiration, aspiration and transformation in young men and women.

Solution

At a glance, the original, nearly vacant office building was far from a state-of-the-art academic facility, much less a notable landmark. The new law school is a contemporary, student-centered facility featuring teaching spaces equipped with innovative technology designed for the classes of today and classes of the future. Common areas provide a generous amount of space to accommodate individual and group study. An added 12th floor provides space for a 300-seat courtroom, pavilion and outdoor patio with spectacular views of downtown as well as an abundance of natural light. Designed with iconic windows and dramatic blue lighting, the once nondescript structure is now a visual beacon for downtown St. Louis.