Lobby
Upon entering Charney Hall, a visitor enters a large lobby area. Tiled floors and warm wood walls convey a sense of prestige as and comfort. To the left of the entrance is the Justice Edward A. Panelli Courtroom. To the right and left of the lobby, other classrooms can be found. Unless you are a student, however, there is no reason to enter into these classrooms—although the classroom doors do remain unlocked.
Toward the back of the lobby is the Side Bar Cafe. Both law students and visitors can purchase various pastries, coffee, or snacks without issue.
Beyond the Side Bar Cafe, toward the back of the building and hidden around a corner is the lobby's only water fountain. The fact that this water fountain is so well-hidden, however, might subtly imply that only people who have a reason to venture deeper into the law school can have access to this liquid resource.
Furthermore, numerous spaces in the lobby are deidcated to the names of various donors, alumni, or other important public figures. In fact, there is a wall to the west dedicating Charney Hall to numerous people and foundations. On the one hand, these gestures display a great amount of gratittude. Yet it is arguable that these commemorative displays only serve to alienate audiences who may not know who any of these individuals. Consequently, the effect is that a certain air of exclusivity and prestige is reinforced. It as if these displays convey a sense of affluence that is knowable to only a select few individuals, most of whom are probably affluent themselves.
In spite of, or perhaps because of this, a sense of dignity is undoutedly conveyed. The rooms and walls are clean. Televisions line the walls, conveying announcements. The lobby, though large, is organized extremely well. It is undoubtedly a modern structure, and its material wealth is easily palpable.