What happens in a courthouse can have a lasting effect on individuals, families, communities, and even the nation. Therefore, courthouses must be safe places for those who work in the buildings and for those who visit. In most public buildings, safety means elements like smoke and fire alarms,...

“What about my privacy? Where will I store important documents? How will I have private conversations about sensitive human resource issues?”

My friend Liz, a manager for a well-known banking institution, shared these concerns with me about 18 months ago before her company transitioned from private...

Objectivity is the bedrock of the American judicial process. We expect the judicial process to be fair and impartial. Should we expect anything less when we plan and design the court facilities that support this process? It’s no surprise that opinions on architecture can be very subjective. From...

As any space planner or architectural designer can tell you, a lot of detail and thought goes into developing workplace plans. With the recent trend towards open offices and mobility, careful space planning is even more essential. But behind the requirements programs, stacking plans, and furniture...

Problem-solving courts that develop programs to successfully reintegrate parolees into the community and reduce recidivism rates have been an emerging trend in the American judicial system in recent decades. But do traditional courthouses – and the traditional courtroom layout – work for these...