When designing the John M. O’Quinn Law Building at the University of Houston (UH), we worked closely with the institution’s leadership to create a prominent, top-tier law school environment that cultivates inclusion and embraces diversity. Through this distinctive project experience, UH challenged us to embrace a broader scope of understanding in how our daily architectural decisions—the look and feel of the building, the location and number of front doors, the type of security protocols, to the type, number, and name of the rooms—can make the built environment feel welcoming to all.

Defining inclusive spaces

As one of the most diverse law schools in the country, the new University of Houston Law Center is dedicated to providing modern, interdisciplinary legal education in a student-focused environment. The institution’s commitment to community outreach and inclusivity is made evident through a range of initiatives including:

• • The Pre-Law Pipeline Program, which prepares undergraduates who are first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented in the legal profession
  • The Diversity, Racial Justice, and Human Rights Initiative
  • The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
  • Courses and clinical work for students to service underserved communities who need legal representation

To accomodate these activities, the building includes instructional spaces, advocacy skills labs, student areas, courtrooms, event facilities, faculty and administration offices, student services, legal clinics, and a law library.

We worked closely with UH to define what it means to create inclusive spaces and understand their mission of building a Law Center that actively combats racism and inequities by educating lawyers to reflect and appreciate the diversity of clients. To design a building that embodied these goals, we reflected on every project decision and evaluated decisions against the following questions:

Implementing change

Conversations with the diverse decision-making group guided specific design solutions that would eliminate barriers and enhance a sense of community and belonging immediately upon entering the building. With a building that is utilized by students and provides public access to free law services, we designed one central front door to create a sense of equality, as opposed to having two doors where one could be viewed as “lesser.” One front door allows all visitors to have the same initial experience of being in a space where they will be cared for. In a similar vein, there were many discussions during the design process around how people feel when they enter the building and are greeted by security. It was important to design a space where the security guard served as more of a concierge, greeting and directing visitors in the right direction. In order to maintain a secure building, more public spaces like the Event Room, Courtroom, and Clinics are located on the ground floor.

All these considerations were essential in creating a building that welcomes every single person in the Law Center community. When that first-generation college student shows up at the front door, the Law Center feels like their new home. When a person shows up to the legal clinic for legal representation, they feel supported. The John M. O’Quinn Law Building honors its history while looking forward to a bright, inviting future.