The Boston University School of Law project is part of an expansive addition and renovation to the building complex originally designed by Josep Lluis Sert in 1964. The project establishes a high-use exterior corridor providing a vital pedestrian link between the Law School, Student Union, School of Theology, and distant points on campus. RBA developed this space as an intimately scaled social space planted with Honeylocust trees, strategically lit and paved with a linear ‘carpet’ of stone pavers.
In the spirit of photographer Philip-Lorca di Corcia, the design features custom light fixtures that cast diffused beams down through tree canopies, providing highlighted moments of pedestrian movement and interest along the walk. Custom designed elevated seating lines the corridor, alternating between trees and offering viewing platforms for students. Linear bands of groundcover and a focal bench at the Marsh Chapel colonnade completes the space.
On the east and north sides of the project, the existing landscape is upgraded with new brick and granite pavers, bicycle racks, storm water infiltration systems, and canopy trees. A newly aligned north-south walkway makes a strong pedestrian and bicycle connection to a bridge that leads students to the Charles River Esplanade park system.