FLORIDA SUPREME COURT | 1948-2023
FLORIDA LEGAL HISTORY
The Guastavino Dome The Florida Supreme Court Building’s Crown Jewel By Jess Wash
T
he architectural heritage of the Florida Supreme Court boasts a remarkable gem that often goes unnoticed — the outer dome crafted by the Guastavino Company in 1948. This structural masterpiece stands as a testament to the innovative genius of its time and continues to captivate both architectural enthusiasts and history buffs. Rafael Guastavino, a Spanish architect and engineer, revolutionized the world of construction with his
The interior dome in the Supreme Court building is shown in these photos. There is actually a large gap between it and the unique-to-Florida Guastavino dome visible on the outside.
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HISTORICAL REVIEW
WINTER 2023
groundbreaking system of tile arches. This technique, known as the "Guastavino tile," involved interlocking layers of tiles and mortar to create self-supporting arches and vaults. The result was not only visually stunning, but also incredibly durable and fire-resistant —qualities that drew the attention of architects and engineers worldwide. Unfortunately, the vast majority of visitors to the Supreme Court building cannot see the impressive array of terra cotta tiles lining the dome’s interior. The dome seen when standing inside the rotunda is actually a different construction, located about 20 feet lower than the Guastavino dome.
