A good initial design can be a significant factor in reducing courthouse operational costs. By contrast, less than optimal design features can have just the opposite effect. In this blog, I will explore three principal design considerations that can have the greatest impact on future courthouse operational costs during the courthouse planning process.
The first and foremost of these is circulation. Circulation can be one of the greatest challen
ges in initial courthouse design because of the need to have three separate circulation patterns for judges, prisoners, and the public. As an example, I recently toured a newly constructed courthouse. Although the spaces in this courthouse were well finished and met all current functional courthouse standards, the overall layout of the design was not as well planned. The design had produced circuitous circulation patterns with a rambling, inefficient network of narrow hallways.
Not surprisingly, the principal complaint from the maintenance staff and the occupants was related to the cost and poor performance of the correspondingly circuitous HVAC system. It is almost axiomatic that a well-planned courthouse displays proper adjacencies between court components and a tighter facility core, resulting in a more efficient building layout and circulation system. This, in turn, produces more efficient, better performing, and operationally cost effective building systems.
A second important initial design consideration that will aid in reducing courthouse operational costs is decreasing the energy costs through the solar orientation of the building and allowing daylight to penetrate into courtrooms and offices. This approach saves in both reduced monthly energy costs and the periodic costs for bulb and light fixture replacement.
Options for reducing courthouse operational costs
Finally, less initial space equates to less space to heat and cool, less flooring and walls to replace and refinish, and smaller building systems components to maintain and replace. Though not possible in all courts, there are many options to consider for consolidating courthouse space. For example, having a collegial chambers arrangement allows for the sharing of support spaces between judges. Courtroom sharing can lead to a reduced building footprint and corresponding cost savings by constructing fewer courtrooms. Shared administrative services or conferencing areas between court units can also help reduce space. As discussed in my prior article, Courthouse Space Reduction, mobile and collaborative office space reduction principles can be built into the initial design to further reduce space needs. The more space in the courthouse that can be consolidated, the more efficient the building will be. When supported by an initial selection of durable and sustainable building materials and building systems components, space reduction can achieve a substantial reduction in courthouse operational costs.
