WILL COUNTY COURTHOUSE

A pivotal project in the rejuvenation of downtown Joliet, the new Will County Courthouse replaces an existing facility with a modern and secure justice center. Drawing on the predominant material palette of historic downtown Joliet, the new courthouse interprets the timeless fabric of limestone, steel, and glass in a modern expression that evokes the innovative spirit associated with this pioneering industrial-age city, while achieving a strong civic presence that communicates permanence and transparency.

The new courthouse conveys the notion of “transparency in justice” through the generous use of glass in all public areas. Beginning with the entrance lobby and procession through all public interfacing destinations, access to daylight and respite areas were provided to mitigate the stressful nature of the justice experience and support high quality decision making. The building massing and organization communicates programmatic clarity and differentiation of public, private, and secure program components. Green roofs and terraces, accessible for juror’s breaks, extend the ground level landscape theme into upper level public areas.

The project has been awarded LEED Gold and is designed to have a 73% reduction in EUI from a baseline typical courthouse. A variety of sustainable features were leveraged including a solar array, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and radiant heating & cooling systems. Sustainable analysis of the building during design included extensive daylight and energy analysis to fine-tune the amount and locations of glass on the façade to ensure the interior spaces were pleasant and well-lit. Embodied carbon analysis along with cost analysis supported the design of a steel frame superstructure.

of providing new parking. The proximity to the existing jail facility eases the operational burden on prisoner transport. A secure sallyport is designed on grade level to allow for drop-off and pick-up.

Addressing occupant comfort and well being is a critical component to the design of a stressful courthouse environment. Natural light will be leveraged for the restorative benefit of the Justice Center users. The courtrooms have clerestory windows to allow light in without posing the security threat of full height glazing. Natural light will fill the public circulation corridor through as an excellent, contemporary courthouse facility. Close coordination with the County judicial departments using the facility will be maintained to ensure efficient operations. The safety and security of each user group is provided for by segregating the circulation zones for public, private and secure inhabitants. The courtrooms themselves are designed to be modular for future flexibility, including features such as accessible floors to facilitate reconfigurable technology.

The architectural expression of the Justice Center is designed to make a statement. The building aims to be approachable and give an impression of fenestration to respond to the southern exposure and the judicial chambers behind the plane. Together these three slices form the tower element of the Justice Center.

The north-south leg of the courtroom is shorter in height and houses the courthouse supportive functions and agency offices. Together both legs of the building provide a backdrop to the Civic Plaza. The entry pavilion that welcomes visitors and staff with a soaring plane and warm wood tones is located at the junction of these two legs.