(September 30, 2009) AIA Milwaukee kicked off its fall Construction Tour Series with Marquette’s new law school, Eckstein Hall on September 22, 2009. Designed by Ralph Jackson with Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott and constructed by Opus North Corporation, Eckstein Hall has two facades – one, very glassy that resembles the curves of the Marquette Interchange and one that faces the campus, more traditional with brick veneer and punch openings.
With over 200,000 square feet, Eckstein Hall will include space for over 700 law students; including 2 courtrooms, a fitness center, conference center, 4 story atrium space and a grand reading room featuring a 2 story fireplace and great views of downtown Milwaukee. Outside of the conference area on the fourth floor is a gallery with an exterior balcony. When finished the interior space will be accented with polished steel, stone, natural maple and cherry woods. Scheduled to be completed by Fall of 2010, AIA Milwaukee will be taking a follow-up tour of Eckstein Hall this Spring.
Structural System:
The building was designed with the first 2 stories as post-tensioned cast in place concrete with a 4 story steel structure above. The post-tensioned concrete structure allowed the project to come out of the ground quicker and also accommodates large spans required for the 2 levels of underground parking. Oh the fourth floor open web steel bar joists were used to span the conference rooms to accommodate the mandate for clear floor space with no intermediate columns.
Mechanical Systems:
As a part of the project a large chiller system was installed which feeds not only the building but also serves as the backup campus-wide chiller system. The chiller feeds the south east side of the campus and will be tied back into the central system.
Building Enclosure:
The building enclosure is comprised with pre-cast brick and concrete wall system, large expanses of curtain wall glazing, and insulated metal panel systems. The pre-cast wall will also include a drainage plane, mineral wool insulation between metal studs, vapor barrier, and gypsum wallboard. The mullion pattern on the curtain wall emphasis the vertical elements of the building by framing the structural columns, emphasized with deep vertical fins outboard of the curtain wall.
Building Program:
Building program included classrooms, law library, faculty offices, mock courtrooms, conference rooms, and a grand reading room. New program functions that were included in the program, which are not included in other campus buildings, included a fitness center and food service café. This accommodates the 24-hour nature of the law students.
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