TWMLA is extremely pleased to announce that its Cornell Law School project won an Honor Award for Built Work during the Upstate New York ASLA Chapter’s annual awards ceremony last week. “Classic and fits into the context of the campus” wrote the award jurors of what they described as a “sophisticated” project.

For this project, TWMLA provided landscape design services, from concept through construction, for a multiphase landscape and architectural expansion of the Cornell Law School. A collaborative design solution for a building expansion by Ann Beha Architects was developed to integrate a new architectural wing into the historic campus by locating the addition underground. An extensive, fully-occupiable green roof sits atop the new underground wing, weaving the significant building addition seamlessly into the surrounding context.

Connecting two existing buildings, a new facade inspired by the original buildings looks out on a revitalized central courtyard. Prior to the addition, the courtyard did not align with interior floor levels, and because it was inaccessible from the buildings it was rarely used. TWMLA’s new site design lowered the courtyard to provide accessible indoor-outdoor connections and activate the space. A classic formal quad layout with high-quality perimeter paving materials, solid stone walls and lush plantings complements the Gothic architecture and speaks to the solemnity and order of the study of law. Seating, ADA access and a grand staircase to the lawn promote occupancy and comfort. The project exceeds Cornell University’s standards for sustainable design and has earned LEED Platinum status.