United States Courthouse

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United States Courthouse

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Government + Health › City Hall

The United States Federal Courthouse in Jackson faces the state capitol at the end of a 10-block axis establishing Congress Street as the central spine of a rejuvenated downtown.H3’s design consists of two volumes surrounding an open-air rotunda that echoes the capitol’s grand interior. “Unlike most courthouse plans, our design stacks courtrooms by type in two 6-story towers,” notes Senior Associate Jack Martin. “Several are exposed to views and are seen from the street through large bay windows.”The public ascends a wide exterior staircase, passing under an elliptical canopy into a welcoming pavilion, which leads to the security checkpoint. Public circulation surrounds a glass-enclosed corridor at each level of the rotunda’s perimeter. The jury assembly room is on the ground floor, adjacent to the rotunda; passersby can look in. The special proceedings courtroom is on the highest level, overlooking the complex. Support functions take place in two angular, three-story elements to the side.The rotunda’s tubular sunscreens recall window louvers in traditional Mississippi architecture. The project expects LEED™ Silver certification.Renderings by Eric Schuldenfrei