Court Building

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This court building expresses the dignity of the courts while providing exceptional public services and access. It embodies unique regional characteristics and has a strong sense of permanence. The form of the Courthouse is informed by climatic, civic and functional requirements that create a distinctive facility that is a reflection of Chico’s rich and unique culture and environment. The materials, selected for durability and low maintenance, are sustainable and local where possible. The major materials are brick veneer, terra cotta accent panels, acoustical wood treatments throughout, slate tile flooring, stainless steel, and glass. This courthouse is an important anchor to a new civic park development in Chico, California serving …show more content…

The volume of the lobby rises above the roof plane in a tapered form inspired by the butte walls of nearby Table Mountain. It is a light-filled space that celebrates the sense of arrival and functions as a glowing civic landmark at night. Its symbolism is deeply rooted in the notion of the courthouse tower on the town square. To support the large welcoming roof that shades the elevated pedestrian plaza at the public entry is a series of large columns that reference the iconography of Greco-Roman Historicism of important civic buildings in America and Western societies. They create a strong formality and civic presence which architecturally identifies the building as a courthouse. The Courthouse encompasses universal design principles to provide accessibility for the building’s occupants. The design provides for an increase to back of house floor elevation to minimize the length of run for ramps to the courtrooms. Primary means of circulation within the courtrooms is the same for both able bodied and disabled alike. Every courtroom in the building has ramping at the bench, witness stand, and jury seating, instead of using steps or lifts where otherwise acceptable by current

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