United States Courthouse • Laredo, Texas

CITATION united states Courthouse • laredo, Texas

The location of the United States Courthouse has a rich and multicultural architectural heritage. Climate and cultural considerations led to the use of massive masonry, deeply recessed windows, and interior courtyards providing comfort and a sense of tradition.

The new courthouse expresses its heritage in the context of civic architecture. The presiding District Court Judge challenged the design team to reinterpret the existing U.S. Courthouse while sustaining a mood in visitors akin to a civil liturgy.

The design creates a dignified progression from the street to the courtroom. Visitors ascend formal steps to a plinth, a green and formal courtyard, and proceed to the classical rotunda that welcomes them. All public spaces are oriented toward the rotunda and courtyard which conforms to security guidelines, removes individuals from the everyday activities of the street, calms those under stress, and reminds them with architectural cues of their cultural roots and traditions.

This project was one of the first federal courthouses to be designed under General Services Administration’s “Design Excellence” Program. It incorporates security measures without creating a fortress-like image and includes the latest anti-terrorism design techniques and integrates state-of-the-art court technology into the design.

The project was designed prior to the establishment of LEED guidelines; however, many features address the environment, daylighting, and energy and water conservation. Deeply recessed windows control the infiltration of sunlight into the building. Additionally, each elevation was designed in a different manner to accommodate the solar orientation of the building. The courthouse is 100 percent accessible in all public areas. Courtrooms and judicial chambers are adaptable. Assisted listening devices and tactile display panels are also provided. As a public building, it was deemed paramount by the design team to exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure convenient access by all. The design team worked with community input from disabled citizens to fully review all accessibility features. The ramp leading up to the rotunda is integrated into the covered colonnade to provide shade and rain protection for those in wheel chairs or the elderly. A powered door is provided at the rotunda. All clerk areas are equipped with wheel chair counter stations and the courtrooms are fully accessible.

Jury CommenT

The Jury felt that this culturally rich community of Laredo, located at the southern border of the United States, has been well-served by the design of the new United States Federal Courthouse. The design speaks to the heritage of Laredo and the civic importance of courthouses, as well as to the parks and public plazas deeply rooted in the Hispanic culture. The project sits comfortably on its site and is a sensitive addition to the adjoining civic area.

The jury was impressed by the straightforwardness of the design. The entry sequence for the visitor is clear and direct. The layout is simple in plan, functional, and well organized. Public space and administrative support areas throughout the Courthouse receive ample daylight. Organization of public circulation within the building permits continuous visual contact with the rotunda and exterior plaza. The architect has successfully created a dignified, state-of-the-art courthouse.

In keeping with the presiding District Court Judge’s challenge, the design is respectful of the original courthouse which this facility replaced. The architectural vocabulary of thick exterior walls and deeply recessed openings reflect the heritage that is uniquely South Texas. The solution provides the community with a new civic landmark appropriate to the federal court system and the judicial process.

oWner

U .S ..General Services Administration Washington, DC

architect of record

HDR Architecture, Inc. Dallas, Texas

Civil / site / structural / mechanical engineer

HDR Architecture, Inc. Dallas, Texas

Blast Consultant

Weidlinger Associates, Inc. New York, New York

Cost estimating

Parametrix, Inc. Salt Lake City, Utah

General Contractor

Mitchell Enterprises, Ltd. Sherman, Texas

photographer

Mark Ballogg Chicago, Illinois Completion date: 2004 Construction Cost: $ 34.6 million

number of Courtrooms:

5 (Expandable to 9) Type of Court: District Court, Bankruptcy Court, Magistrate Court

Building area:

147,956 BGSF; 106,223 NAA Finance method: Appropriation delivery method: Design / Bid / Build Type of Construction: New leed Certificate: None