University of Cincinnati College of Law

Cincinnati, Ohio
A Building for the Future of Justice

The reimagined University of Cincinnati College of Law is a beacon of openness and progress on campus, embodying their bold vision for the future of legal education. Transforming the formerly dark, inward facing 1970s-era building, this renovation and addition creates a new identity for the college, centered around community and student success.

From the new, welcoming front entry to vibrant interiors that inspire connection, the blend of adaptive reuse and modern design reflects the college’s commitment to community, inclusion, and an open, forward-looking future.

  • Client: University of Cincinnati
  • Size: 118,500 square feet
  • Completion Date: 2022
  • Awards:
  • Citation of Merit, Interior Architecture Large, Design Excellence Awards
    AIA Chicago, 2023
Expansive windows and glass walls offer sweeping views of the campus green, creating a light-filled environment that connects students to the outdoors.
The vibrant social stairs serve as a flexible central gathering space for large events, small group collaborations, or heads down focus work.
Students immediately began using the formal and informal study spaces, as envisioned. On any given day, you can see students throughout, which provides a sense of dynamism. In addition, the multiple gathering places are helping to rebuild our community after being fractured by the pandemic and attendant lockdowns.

Verna Williams, CEO, Equal Justice Works, Former Dean at the University of Cincinnati

Renovation Meets Innovation

The renovation of the building was driven by a need to transform a dated, disconnected building into a dynamic space built for today’s legal students. The challenge was clear: modernize the structure while honoring its academic legacy.

The design reimagined the space with an emphasis on openness and connectivity. A spacious atrium flooded with natural light now serves as the building’s heart, drawing students and faculty together. Terraces and glass-walled study areas connect with the surrounding campus green, creating a new hub for organic interaction, collaboration and networking.

A refreshed four-story atrium, surrounded by key spaces like the Ohio Innocence Project, library, faculty offices, and Dean’s suite, adds vibrant gathering space for students and invites natural light deep into the building.
The building offers a range of flexible, technology-equipped spaces designed to support both individual study and collaborative research, providing access to resources in multiple formats to meet the evolving needs of faculty and students.
The interior palette blends warm neutrals with vibrant accents, creating a welcoming environment that balances focus and collaboration. Bold, colorful furniture energizes study and social spaces, encouraging interaction and community.
Earth-tone brick and warm bronze accents frame expansive glass facades, connecting interior spaces to the surrounding campus green.

Project Team

Thomas Mozina
People
Thomas Mozina
Jessica Figenholtz
People
Jessica Figenholtz
Mark Jolicoeur
People
Mark Jolicoeur
Lara Leskaj
People
Lara Leskaj
Tom Butcavage
People
Tom Butcavage

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