Image courtesy of Tim Griffith.
KPF’s update and expansion to University of Kentucky’s Law school, Rosenberg College of Law, transforms the program’s physical presence and enhances its role as a social force for education.
KPF reimagined the original 1965 law building on University of Kentucky’s Lexington campus through the addition of 26% more area for communal spaces and learning facilities. The transformation included functional updates, such as creating 11 new classrooms and 20 collaborative spaces, as well as integrating unique design features to enhance the school’s flexibility. The design takes existing neighboring buildings into consideration through use of complementary materials like metal, glass, and brick. KPF also designed a rooftop terrace and a canopied exterior to create additional areas for socializing and collaboration.
Gary Cunningham, FAIA, Principal at Cunningham Architects, Kate Aoki, AIA, Architect at DSGN Associates Inc., Bang Dang, Principal, Far + Dang and Adjunct Professor UTA, and Ron Stelmarski, AIA, LEED AP, Principal & Design Director, Perkins & Will, the jury, met on June 19th in Dallas to deliberate. After reviewing 36 entries, they awarded the UK building for “its porosity and lightness throughout” and the material palette and detailing’s “ability to link the inside and outside while reframing the relationship of building and community on all sides.”
The American Institute of Architects is one of the oldest and largest professional organizations of architects. The Kentucky AIA chapter is a non-profit organization that aims to aid and represent the goals of Kentucky Architects, Architectural Interns, affiliated design professionals and Allied Members. The Design Award recognizes projects by chapter members as well as projects in the region. Learn more here.