Keywords

Shaping Justice studio; Courthouse design; Visual computation; Typology; Variation; Landhuggers

The court has a long history based in tradition and ritual. Every culture has their own idea of what justice should be and how to execute it, but the abstract concept of justice is something that forms the basis for every community and government. It helps maintain peace and order in a world that grows rapidly more complex through time. The process of justice in a community helps maintain a balance amongst humanity, and therefore creates the courtroom as a sacred space that controls the order of society. The courthouse is meant to represent the heart and stability of the city where righteousness and integrity are held with the highest regard. Yet, the traditional vernacular of courthouse architecture can make a courthouse seem intimidating and uninviting. The garden in contrast is intended to be inviting and provide a space of peace and tranquility. The garden is seen here as the ideal perfection and beauty of nature, and in turn helps cleanse the mind and spirt. This cleansing becomes a natural transition from the hectic everyday life of the city to a sacred ritual space that embodies justice.