Design, Dignity and Due Process: The Construction of the Coffs Harbour Courthouse. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rowden, Emma; Jones, Diane
• Is Part Of: Law, culture and the humanities. Volume 14:Number 2(2018:Jun.)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 336
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Courthouse -- architecture -- design -- knowledge -- construction -- architectural brief -- design guide -- evidence-based design; Culture and law -- Periodicals; Sociological jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Law and the social sciences -- Periodicals; 340.11505
• DOI: 10.1177/1743872115612954
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-8721

Abstract

The discourse around the merit of public architecture often depicts the architect as having complete autonomy over its design. This belies the constraints placed upon creative solutions by design briefs or the intense negotiations between the State, the architect and the various stakeholders involved in the construction process. Through a case study examining the construction of a courthouse, we demonstrate the difficulties in pursuing improvements to the phenomenological experience of justice within these constraints. It reveals the need for architectural knowledge to be shared for the common good in order to resist practices that replicate existing conditions and inhibit innovation.