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Sauerbruch Hutton GmbH, Berlin, Germany
 
 

Perspective

Explanation of the Architect

The building for the International Criminal Court has to be both a well-working organism and a symbol for the values this institution stands for.

We hence propose an ensemble of buildings which express lightness and openness but also makes a gestural statement. The court building (which is presented as the central core of the institution) is enclosed by the three administrative volumes for judges, prosecution and court administration like a candlelight that may be shielded from the wind by protecting hands.

Opinion of the Jury

The Jury found the provided design rather elegant and containing some poetry. The project seems to be feasible but quite conservative. The basic approach is rather static, even if the footprint implies a certain dynamic. The Jury fully understood the philosophical approach of the architects which defines an image of 'protecting hands.'

The spatial programme is fulfilled. The separation of the organs is very clear by being split into three buildings. The limited interconnections between the wings on only two floors is disadvantageous for the communication network of the whole organisation. The stacked courtrooms cause a rather ineffective vertical access system. The internal quality of the courtrooms is not very high due to the missing daylight supply.

The efficiency regarding construction and maintenance are assessed as standard. The energy and environmental concept provides only general information.