“Responding unwaveringly to the concise and consistent brief provided, whilst protecting the design intent to the benefit of the final building…DCM have been notably impressive from day one.”
Robert Angel, Project Sponsor
Her Majesty’s Court Service, United Kingdom
The Manchester Civil Justice Centre is the largest court building to be built in the UK since the Royal Courts of Justice was completed in 1882. The building contains 47 courtrooms and a spectacular 11 storey atrium along its western edge, which is enclosed by Europe’s largest suspended glass wall.
The building’s massing is conceived as three vertical components of varying heights. The first is a 13 storey ‘finger’ block, which contains the courtrooms and office accommodation, the second is a solid billet of steel circulation spine and the third is the fully glazed atrium. The architectural language of the building reinforces the aspiration of HM Courts Service, that courts should not be forbidding or concealed, but open and accessible. The cantilevered glass ‘fingers’ at each level contain the courtrooms and symbolise this accessibility of the judicial system.
Within 12 months of opening, the Manchester Civil Justice Centre won over 28 national and international awards, including a shortlisting for the Stirling Prize for 2008.
“The building is an elegant and beautifully executed response to a complex brief that has made a significant contribution to the regeneration of this part of Manchester. The architectural expression and resolution of the environmental design sets this building apart. Environmental sustainability has been integrated into the design from the start.”
RIBA 2008
Awards
- 2008 RIBA Stirling Prize Finalist
- 2008 RIBA English Partnerships Sustainability Award
- 2008 RIBA Regional Winner
- 2008 British Construction Industry Award, Judges Special Award
- 2007 Roses Design Award for Best Public Building
- 2007 RAIA International Award
- Client
- HM Court Service / Allied London
- Location
- Manchester, UK
- Sector
- Civil+Public
