Bordeaux Law Courts

Construction shot

Construction shot

Construction shot

Construction shot

Construction shot

Glass bridges used by the judiciary cross the central canyon

The building has a very simple programme of public and private space - the courtrooms are housed under a sculptural roof

The building responds imaginatively to its sensitive setting, continuing the dominant line of the medieval ramparts

Bright sun highlights the textural acoustic surfaces of the concave walls

On entering the courtroom vessels, there is an instant sense of repose and serenity

The vessels are wholly lit by natural light from their central rooflights and have speech-perfect acoustics

The building is not deferential to its historic location behind the Palais de Justice

Views within the building are dominated by the courtrooms, providing an animated surface for artificial lighting at night

Glass bridges used by the judiciary cross the central canyon

The oversailing roof forms a loggia over the stairway between the external court and the administration wing