The William H. Gates Hall contains the University of Washington School of Law and the Marian Gould Gallagher Law Library. The $80 million, 6 story building has 196,000 ft2 and was opened in 2003. New York in collaboration with Mahlum Architects seeks inclusiveness and openness, with full amenities for women and mothers in a profession that had been dominated by men. The previous building had been despised because of its closed, brutalist design. Additionally, the building takes an active role in defining pedestrian corridors and gathering zones. A green roof becomes an outdoor plaza with looming skylights punching through and green walls opposite permeable glass facades.
Structure is evident in this design that smacks of university Gothic. It catches the eye from the mainstreet, with carefully detailed brick, steel trim, and glass. Seattle’s rare sunlight flows through sweeping windows with commanding views into white sun spaces and on into multi-functional classrooms.
