Evaluation
The dramatic form, innovative use of materials, generous spaces and playful use of interior shapes and colour all contribute to the Manchester Civil Justice Centre fulfilling its ambitious expectations.
The centre is a landmark design
The centre is an impressive local landmark which combines the formality of a court visit, with the openness of a civic building. This is most evident in the atrium which soars above the heads of the people gathered below.
The combination of a naturally lit and ventilated space with a strong connection to both the outside world and the inner working of the court space make this a pleasant place for visitors and staff to sit and meet.
A strong management team is essential
The project had the advantage of top level government support right from the outset and this undoubtedly influenced the quality of planning, management and thought which went into the initial stages. A strong management team appointed architects Feilden and Mawson to work on the initial briefing documents and to organise the selection process for both site and developer and the design team.
The brief benefited from iterative development
Drawing up the brief was an iterative process with contributions from many specialist architectural and technical advisers. Working groups representing the views of the judiciary, the court user committee, solicitors, and the general public contributed to the development. A CABE enabler was appointed to advise the client team.
The whole process proved straightforward with very few disputes, a testament to the careful planning in the early stages and the quality of the design and the skill of the selected design team.
‘Architecturally, the atrium space absolutely takes your breath away and there is real exhilaration when you are up in the heights of the glass wall. The staff think it is wonderful. The local and trade press are raving about it. Ask anyone in the street, especially cabbies, and they all know the ‘filing cabinet’ building. It is one of the landmarks of the city’’.
Jon Wallsgrove, HMCS Estates, Ministry of Justice.
