The Jamieson and Spearl designed January Hall served as the Washington University Law School from its construction in 1922 through the early 1970s. The wood paneled reading room, with its vaulted ceiling and exposed wood trusses, now serves as the home of the East Asian Library with multiple offices and classrooms on the lower two floors. Trivers analyzed the existing conditions of the building with respect to code compliance, accessibility and physical condition. Building systems and utilities were analyzed for performance, condition, and service life, along with a building energy analysis for upgrade recommendations. The envelope was also studied, and a condition assessment provided with attention paid to the cleaning and repair of the stone facades and options for repairing and/or replacement of the historic windows and doors.
Trivers also performed a survey of the roof condition and expected service life. Based on all these findings, a report was assembled that documented the conditions and proposed potential solutions. Options for corrective measures were outlined for further discussion with the University, including cost opinions with a goal to determine the scope of work needed to bring the building to the University’s standard. A final scope document was provided with all of the analysis included as an appendix for the University to use for long-range planning and to allocate funding.
After completing the study, Trivers led the renovation efforts which included taking an out-of-date, tiered classroom and infilling the floors to create an active learning classroom. The new raised (flat) floor system allows for the use of mobile furniture to promote both group or individual learning settings, and the use of “plug and play” furniture for ultimate flexibility. The room has multiple dedicated monitors and robust technology and A/V infrastructure to both support the instructor’s pedagogy and enhance the student experience, while maintaining the historic character of the room.
