After improving classrooms and expanding office space in 2005, the School of Law will begin another set of renovations this May.
This phase is expected to last about 15 months and will focus on improving the law building's public space. The improvements include a new 4,200-sq. ft. community area, a renovated library and a new sculpture garden.
"By creating [Star Commons] and by creating the library space, we give all of us in our community, our students as well as our faculty, a place to really learn together," said Thomas Metzloff, head of the Building Committee and professor of law. "I think its going to have a tremendous impact for the law school."
Star Commons-modeled after the von der Heyden Pavilion and almost twice as large-will be used as a place for students to study and relax and will feature a lounge area and cafe, Metzloff said.
"If you liked von der Heyden, you'll love what we're doing," he said.
Metzloff added that the Star Commons, which will hold up to 350 people, will also be used to host conventions, large dinners and lectures.
"When we put this Star Commons on the corner [of Towerview Road and Science Drive], this very glassy, very elegant piece, I think it's going to be a tremendous plus for the University," Metzloff said. "I do think we will have an important positive impact for the people's sense of the University and its campus."
Though the Commons will be a completely new facility, the library's renovation will focus on maximizing current space. Expected improvements include increasing natural lighting, consolidating library services and replacing old heating and air-conditioning systems.
"Students spend an enormous amount of time in the law school and to the extent that you can provide a wonderful environment for them to study in and attend classes, it provides a competitive edge for Duke," said Sarah West, associate dean for alumni and development.
Metzloff said the renovations will improve the physical appeal of the law building and help entice prospective students.
"The more pleasing the buildings are and the better they function, the more likely we are to attract some really great students to the law school," said Marjorie Mulhall, a law student and member of the Building Committee.
Metzloff said several measures are being taken to minimize the noise effects of construction, including erecting a sound barrier and conducting the loudest aspects of the construction over the summer.
"If everyone can just remember that this is all in the name of making our school a better one, then hopefully there won't be too many problems with [noise]," Mulhall said.
The renovations are funded by the Duke Endowment and alumni donations, West said.
Star Commons is named after Stanley Star, Law '61, who donated $3 million to the project.
"Many [alumni] really felt that the building was inadequate and not what a great law school like Duke law school needed, so we've had just terrific support throughout these projects," Metzloff said.
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