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Architectus Australasia (identical with Architectus Brisbane), Auckland, New Zealand
 
 

Perspective

Explanation of the Architect

We have designed the new International Criminal Court so that the courts are positioned as solid grounded elements within the broader landscape of the shifting sands of the Dutch coastline, metaphorically reflecting the role of the Court within the human and political landscape of our times.The court rooms are fashioned as solid elements, thick walled and protected on three sides, but open to the landscape and the world on a fourth secure side. The courts themselves are more courtyard or civic square than internal room; a space, like courtyards and civic squares, which are defined by the walls around them and the external landscape.

Opinion of the Jury

The author states 'the court rooms are fashioned as solid elements, thick walled and protected on three sides, but open to the landscape and the world on a fourth secure side'. The spatial quality of the courtrooms and the public area are high. The different organs of the ICC are clear and placed in a logic and comprehensible manner. The Jury respects the clear organisation and structure of the design, but concludes that the design concept was not strong enough to reflect the values of the ICC and would not convey the appropriate image. This refers especially to the pergola like roof and facade construction. The Jury acclaimed the functionality as feasible.