Architect’s Statement
The courthouse features 16 courtrooms with administrative offices within 200,000 square feet and a new four-level parking deck, separated by a 100-foot-wide restored wetland garden and covered walk. The narrow site dictated the site planning, i.e., parking at the wide northern end to allow an efficient, simple garage plan; new courthouse in the center; and the existing facility to remain in the south end until completion. The architects sought to create a modern design with a complete clarity of expression of its functions—courts and administration—for visitors. Architecturally it is rooted in maritime Rhode Island, with three simple, economical walls of traditional New England red brick with sandstone banding juxtaposed with the curtain wall of its primary public face. The entrance, a 95-foot-tall “sail,” provides a visual point of reference and its glass façade symbolizes the open judicial process while animating the building’s public spaces.

Owner
State of Rhode Island Department of Administration
Providence, Rhode Island

Data

Type of facility: Courthouse
Type of construction: New
Site area: 5.5 acres
Area of building: 191,027 GSF
Capacity:16 courts
Total cost of construction: $44 million
Status of project: Completed 2006

Credits

Architect
Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum Inc.
New York City

Structural engineer
Odeh Engineering
North Providence, Rhode Island

Mechanical and electrical engineers
Vanderweil Engineering
Boston

Civil engineer
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin
Providence

Code consultant
Timothy Haas + Associates
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

General consultant
Adrian Wilson
New York City

Photographer
Atkins Hanscomb Faithful + Gould
Maitland, Florida