Project overview: The first LEED Platinum certified state courthouse in the country, the Lowell Justice Center is modern in vision and rooted in the rich history of Lowell, Massachusetts. The 7-story, 265,000-square-foot building contains 17 courtrooms across 5 court divisions and is universally accessible with all points accessible via the same path.
Project location: Lowell, Massachusetts
Firm name: Finegold Alexander Architects
Project type: State Courthouse
Project information: New construction
Jury comments: This project was executed with clear attention to physical and sensory comfort amid the general stress experienced at a courthouse. Daylighting is provided throughout the building, even in the most stress-inducing areas, such as the courtrooms and waiting rooms. The building is based on local realities, from the material selection to the public transportation hubs to the cultural gestures made in the welcoming mural. A clear effort was made for inclusivity in a respectful way, giving the impression that it is every visitor’s civil right as a citizen to use the spaces within. The jury was impressed to see the LEED Platinum certification.
