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Stein Halvorsen as / ARCASA AS, Oslo, Norway
 

Explanation of the Architect

The beautiful tree covered site is situated in between the city centre and the sand dunes which stretch all the way out to the Atlantic ocean. The underlying intention for the project is that the law courts occupy the optimum position on the site, so that the best aspect can be enjoyed by both the public and employees alike. Therefore the most important public areas, such as the court room viewing galleries, the restaurant and the media center are positioned high up on the 6th floor. From this vantage point, it is possible to see over the highest sand dunes out to the Atlantic Ocean to the north. The sensation of perpetual horisontallity binds the buildings function as an international law court to all the worlds oceans, to all of mankind.

Opinion of the Jury

The design organises the premises as a comb figure on a quarter-circle footprint with the most important public areas on the 6th floor. From this point it is possible to see over the sand dunes towards the sea and enjoy the best aspects of the surroundings. The Jury appreciated the high quality of outside relation for the public areas, however it found that the design concept would not fully reflect the values of the ICC and would not convey the appropriate image. Furthermore, the Jury noted that the form of the irregular building cube leads to misinterpretation as they not even house the courtrooms.