SmithGroup JJR in Salt Lake City, Utah

SmithGroup JJR designed the new LEED Platinum-targeting University of Utah College of Law building which is under construction in Salt Lake City, Utah. Image: ©VCBO/ SmithGroup JJR Architecture/ College of Law

Ground has broken on the S.J. Quinney College of Law building on the campus of the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City. In addition to providing more typical facilities the 155,000-square-foot (14,400-square-meter) building will provide space needed by the college for hands-on training of lawyers including practice courtrooms, and a collaborative research facility, as well as facilities to support the school's tradition of providing pro bono services to the community.

With upper levels projecting beyond a double-height ground floor, the five-story building will feature a predominantly glazed facade, with vertical and horizontal shades to minimize heat gain. Opaque facade materials will include metal, concrete, stone, and an orange-colored panel system that helps to frame and visually unify the disparate glazed volumes of the building's several wings.

Rear overview of Quinney building. Image: ©VCBO/ SmithGroup JJR Architecture/ College of Law

Also targeting a LEED Platinum certification upon completion, the school will employ a cooling system that uses ground water from a nearby location, although details were vague. The building is planned to have considerable water recycling and gray water reuse systems, along with on-site and off-site solar power generation.

The building was designed by SmithGroup JJR and upon its completion in time for the 2015-2016 school year, will mark a major entry point at the southwest corner of the campus.

Corner overview. Image: ©VCBO/ SmithGroup JJR Architecture/ College of Law

Project Details

• Client: University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law
• Architect: SmithGroup JJR
• Contractor: Big-D Construction
• Area: 155,000 square feet (14,400 square meters)
• Floors: 5
• Energy Use Intentsity: Not Available