Howard University
Law School Library Quadrangle

Washington, DC
1999-2001

Howard University Law School’s new library building has occasioned a new campus quad-rangle where, previously, there had been only ill-defined environs of pre-existing buildings. DDA’s design of this quadrangle creates a simple functional space featuring campus basics: walkways, lawns and trees. The major walkway is a multi-use promenade, which curves in tandem with the Library as it links a new shuttle bus drop off to the west and an existing service road to the south. Two secondary walkways radiating southward from the main library entry lead to the Law School’s primary classroom building fronted by a terrace garden. Construction of an arbor for this garden was postponed pending additional funding. A ramp unfurling westward from the entrance provides accessibility and completes a reverse curve of the library building. Plantings feature clusters of canopy and columnar trees under-planted with lawns or groundcovers and a swathe of colorful perennials bordering the promenade.