The existing law school lecture halls posed several design challenges, including seating that hindered classroom discussion, poor site lines and acoustics, inefficient mechanical systems, and outdated audio visual technology. A more strategic selection and placement of materials, along with the isolation of mechanical system noise made a significant improvement to room acoustics. To facilitate classroom interaction, a new "U-shaped" configuration of tiered seating was designed along with a new ceiling system to reinforce intimacy as well as to serve as acoustical treatment and house essential mechanical systems. In order to accommodate current and future teaching methodologies, wireless LAN access and power is available at each student seat, along with new lecture room audio/visual equipment to allow for multiple projections and sources, and panoptic camera locations to support distance-learning activities.

Maintaining a summer break construction schedule was paramount to the success of this project. Design of the project began in the fall of 2003 and construction commenced immediately following the last day of testing that year. Substantial completion was achieved one week before the first day of classes.