Montpellier Courthouse

Programm

District Court
Regional Court

The design brief

Enrich the neighborhood by the design of a building that reflects the character of the legal institution.
Create an open and clear space in which employees and visitors feel respected and understood.
Combine both a sense of monumentality while keeping a human scale in an attempt to reduce the anxiety of users of such a facility.

The project

The project In the historic heart of the city, the courthouse is accessible by a succession of transitional spaces emanating from the main Square Peyrou.
The constructive vocabulary is deliberately clear and readable.
The design efforts of openness, transparence and verticality introduce spatial qualities other than those specifically attributed to the institution of justice.
The courtrooms are linked to the large public lobby, the functional heart of the building, as are the main circulation paths.
All of the offices are organized around semi circular planted gardens. Natural daylight is predominant, from skylights as well as large glass facades.
Exposed concrete of a warm color and natural stone on the outside, to which is added and the use of wood inside all come together to create a strong yet welcoming presence.