Boston University School of Law

Restored

Boston University School of Law

The fully restored east facade with its repaired and patched concrete wall, new windows and painted ventilator panels (in Sert's original palette) has brought back the genius of the 1960 design for all to appreciate. The newly glazed original entry at the tower base adds a vibrancy that was lost for decades.

Credit

Richard Mandelkorn

Site overview

Josep Lluis Sert’s design for the campus of the Boston University School of Law is one of the great modern complexes of the mid-twentieth century and the architect’s largest assemblage of structures in the world.

 

One of Sert’s seminal urban achievements, this group of five buildings dramatically altered traditional campus planning in America. The refinement of its concept and the imposing visual imprint it creates along the Charles River contribute to its historic legacy.

 

The centerpiece of the Law School, its 1962 Law Tower, stands as a noble example of the Heroic/Brutalist period. Widely regarded as the best of Sert’s tall buildings, it is recognized by some critics as the most innovative high-rise building of its period in New England. Yet, less than a decade ago, its future was far from certain.

Boston University School of Law

The restored and preserved tower in 2015. The new Sumner Redstone Building is seen between the tower and the Mugar Library. The new building relates horizontally to the tower. It’s 17-foot cantilever is a dramatic extension over the stepped roof forms of the Mugar Library.

Credit

Richard Mandelkorn

Site overview

Josep Lluis Sert’s design for the campus of the Boston University School of Law is one of the great modern complexes of the mid-twentieth century and the architect’s largest assemblage of structures in the world.

 

One of Sert’s seminal urban achievements, this group of five buildings dramatically altered traditional campus planning in America. The refinement of its concept and the imposing visual imprint it creates along the Charles River contribute to its historic legacy.

 

The centerpiece of the Law School, its 1962 Law Tower, stands as a noble example of the Heroic/Brutalist period. Widely regarded as the best of Sert’s tall buildings, it is recognized by some critics as the most innovative high-rise building of its period in New England. Yet, less than a decade ago, its future was far from certain.

Boston University School of Law

The original river view of the tower and its nearby structures, always shown in books about Sert, after completion in the early 1960’s.

Credit

courtesy of Boston University

Site overview

Josep Lluis Sert’s design for the campus of the Boston University School of Law is one of the great modern complexes of the mid-twentieth century and the architect’s largest assemblage of structures in the world.

 

One of Sert’s seminal urban achievements, this group of five buildings dramatically altered traditional campus planning in America. The refinement of its concept and the imposing visual imprint it creates along the Charles River contribute to its historic legacy.

 

The centerpiece of the Law School, its 1962 Law Tower, stands as a noble example of the Heroic/Brutalist period. Widely regarded as the best of Sert’s tall buildings, it is recognized by some critics as the most innovative high-rise building of its period in New England. Yet, less than a decade ago, its future was far from certain.

Boston University School of Law

The new interior year-round Atrium/Winter Garden at the tower base is framed in a sweeping view of the restored tower and the Pappas Library as seen through the glass curtainwall to the right.

Credit

Richard Mandelkorn

Site overview

Josep Lluis Sert’s design for the campus of the Boston University School of Law is one of the great modern complexes of the mid-twentieth century and the architect’s largest assemblage of structures in the world.

 

One of Sert’s seminal urban achievements, this group of five buildings dramatically altered traditional campus planning in America. The refinement of its concept and the imposing visual imprint it creates along the Charles River contribute to its historic legacy.

 

The centerpiece of the Law School, its 1962 Law Tower, stands as a noble example of the Heroic/Brutalist period. Widely regarded as the best of Sert’s tall buildings, it is recognized by some critics as the most innovative high-rise building of its period in New England. Yet, less than a decade ago, its future was far from certain.

Awards

Design

Citation of Merit

Civic

 The jury awards a Citation of Merit for the innovative approach to the conservation of the concrete of Boston University’s School of Law Tower and thoughtful addition of the Sumner M. Redstone Building. 

“This is a powerful example where the architects acted as preservation advocates, successfully changing the University’s and public’s perception of a building, while bringing significant details back to life in a way that reinvigorates the entire School of Law complex.”

 

- Mark Pasnik, AIA
Client

Boston University

Restoration Team
  • Bruner/Cott & Associates (Restoration Architects)
  • Skanska USA (Construction Manager)
  • Richard Burck Associates, Inc. (Landscape Architect)
  • Weidlinger Associates Inc Now Thorton Tomasetti (Structural Engineer)
  • BR+A (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection)
  • Atelier Ten (Lighting)
  • Nitsch Engineering (Civil Engineers)
  • Cosentini Associates (Code)
  • Acentech, Inc. (Acoustic/ Audiovisual/ Information Technology)
  • Faithful + Gould (Cost Estimating)
  • CDC Curtain Wall Design & Co. (Curtain Wall)
  • Syska Hennessey Group, Inc. (Elevator)
  • Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (Envelope)
  • Colburn & Guyette Consulting (Food Service)
  • Kalin Associates, Inc. (SPEC)
  • Richard Mandelkorn (Photography & Image Credits)

Primary classification

Education (EDC)

Terms of protection


Designations


How to Visit

University

Location

765 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA, 02215

Country

US
More visitation information
Credit:

Richard Mandelkorn

Credit:

Richard Mandelkorn

Credit:

courtesy of Boston University

Credit:

Richard Mandelkorn

Designer(s)

Other designers


Related News

Related chapter

New England

Related Sites

Completion

1962

Commission / Completion details


Others associated with Building/Site


Original Brief


Significant Alteration(s) with Date(s)


Current Use


Current Condition