San Bernardino Justice Center
Structural Designer
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Client Name
Judicial Council of California
Location
California, United States of America
ARCHITECT & MEP ENGINEER
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Rudolph and Sletten
COST ESTIMATING
Davis Langdon
STRUCTURAL FABRICATIONS & ERECTION
Schuff Steel
SEISMIC ISOLATION
Earthquake Protection Systems
VISCOUS DAMPING DEVICES
Taylor Devices
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Located in one of the most active seismic regions in the United States, the new Justice Center replaces more vulnerable existing facilities and improves efficiency of the courts, consolidating functions that had previously been spread over 12 different buildings. It also creates a visible landmark for the city, engaging the public with vibrant, open space. The complex consists of two elements: an 11-storey courtroom tower, and a linear, three-storey podium. The building’s main entrance — a three-story public lobby — serves as the threshold between the openness of the city and the security of the court.
Judge's comment:
The judges were impressed with the innovative technologies and life-cycle analysis employed to ensure a resilient and sustainable LEED Gold design was achieved, despite being located in a region of high seismicity, close to major earthquake faults.