Courthouse

To provide the urban monumentality required of a judicial institution and the serenity necessary to handle delicate cases that affect people’s lives, the new Béziers Court is seen as stacks of three layers of rock. At each level, steps and patios locate between these quarry blocks. The stepped masses encourage daylight to enter, creating internal landscapes, like an oasis.
They to protect the premises from any intrusive view. As such, security of the facades and confidentiality are attained with ease.
The transparency of the foyers gives glimpses of the shady central patio garden, planted with tree ferns, that accesses and links the public waiting areas and courtrooms.
Built-in furniture within public areas and office furniture have been designed to ensure comfort and to fit in perfectly with the volumes of the reception and work areas.
Monochrome, through its irregularities the sandblasted and hammered concrete gives a rustic material strength and thickness. A symbol of justice, the parvis is here an antechamber, the sheltered outside institution; open to urban life it soothes, protects and welcomes.