Project Description
The Law Review and Law Journal are the most prestigious publications produced by Penn Law students, but their existing workspaces were subpar and not conducive to the high level of collaboration required among its contributors. Further, the spaces did not properly convey the prestige held by the Penn Law community. Identified as part of a comprehensive master plan completed by VMA, the office suites were designed in a manner that provided each publication its own identity and increased the visual importance of the space to match that of the work being done within.
The entrance to the Review offices was moved to a more prominently accessible location, with a new entry foyer that boasts a reclaimed mantle from previous work in the building, cherry bookshelves and an oriental carpet in a deliberate nod to the stereotypical “old school” law offices. The actual work area features bold red chairs paired with a warm but neutral finishes palette and a layout that maximizes natural light by orienting private offices and breakout spaces around a large central open work room. Translucent glass and cherry wall systems speak to more modern ways of thinking and working.
The Journal offices apply similar design principals. Vibrant green paint brings freshness to the group collaboration area, contrasted with traditionally detailed wood-paneled lockers for student belongings. The individual work area, although more demure, features a seating area furnished in the same green shade, paired with contemporary furnishings outfitted in charcoal.