PARIS MAGDALINOS ARCHITECTS
MEDIA RELEASE

Courting history in Hawke’s Bay

16 OCTOBER 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courthouses are generally known for the ‘colourful’ characters involved in their processes but it is the architecture of the new Hastings courthouse that is attracting attention this week.

The recently-completed District Court building, which officially opens today, was designed by Napier firm Paris Magdalinos Architects (PMA). Three decades of courthouse design experience has helped shape the building, which features PMA’s trademark trinity of yellow, red and blue, adding vibrancy to a building dedicated to the serious business of upholding the law.

Commercial architecture entails unique challenges and courthouse design adds complexity. Drawing on the knowledge and insight gained during past courthouse projects around the country, PMA skilfully and successfully balanced the needs of multiple stakeholders during the design and development process to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing building.

“A courthouse encloses more than mere space. It also serves an independent and impartial social role,” says PMA Managing Director Nic Magdalinos.

“The language of law must resonate throughout the building, creating public spaces that are functional and proud, yet transparent, safe, dignified and embracing.”

The new courthouse is three times larger than the former courthouse it replaces. Built in 1972 and extended in 1988, the previous building was too small to handle the modern and future needs of the judicial process. Sited next to its predecessor, the striking exterior of the new building encompasses four court rooms, two hearing rooms and five new judges’ chambers catering for a variety of jurisdictions.

Architect Ian Seddon says the practical demands of a courthouse catering for users in several jurisdictions guided the building’s overall design – there are dedicated spaces for justices of the peace, coroners and administrators, as well as open public spaces.

“The symmetry of the building ensures the flow required for the courthouse to function effectively,” explains Ian.

“The ground floor entrance with its yellow ‘fin’ is the building’s focal point, and everything flows from there in an orderly manner. There is a natural formality to the building.

Downstairs, the front of the building is primarily public space but as you move deeper into the building it becomes increasingly compartmentalised. The rear of the building is dedicated to custodial use.

An enclosed courtyard allows public access to the outdoors without having to leave the building, while large public spaces on both the ground and first floors span the front of the building allowing natural light into the building’s interior via a unique double-glazed ‘synergy low-e green glass’ system.

“Courthouses can be dark, enclosed, austere places but we wanted to create an inviting internal environment because a lot of business other than criminal cases takes place there,” says Ian.

“Courthouses hold an important position in the community, so they should have a sense of mana about them. This building exudes strength through its strong forms and symmetry – it is authoritarian without being intimidating.”

The building’s stone base provides a firm foundation, and Kingspan cladding – a product relatively new to New Zealand commonly used in industrial applications – creates an insulated, low maintenance exterior that will weather the strong Hawke’s Bay sunlight while at the same time moderating internal temperatures.

The building is highly functional and attractive inside also. As part of the Government’s wider building programme focused on delivering first class justice service to New Zealanders, the new courthouse includes advanced security systems and is capable of supporting the latest technology including video conferencing and evidence recording services.

Very few architects in New Zealand are given the opportunity to design an entirely new courthouse from scratch, so for Ian Seddon the project has been hugely rewarding.

PMA have worked on many judicial, which consist of mainly major additions or alterations rather than a completely new build. This is the first time in 30 years PMA have had the opportunity to start a courthouse design with a completely clean slate. It is at once exciting and challenging, but incredibly fulfilling.

The opening of the new courthouse signals the end of an era for PMA as its founder, the late Paris Magdalinos, was the principal architect at the commencement of this contract in 2007.

The project is thus a testament to a man who was known for his vibrancy in both personality and design, which often included bold use of colour. Paris passed away after a short battle with cancer in 2008. Bobbi Magdalinos, Paris’ wife of over 30 years, will represent Paris at the official opening of the courthouse.

Established in 1989, PMA flourished under the guidance of Paris Magdalinos and now has Nic Magdalinos at the helm. Years of hard work and successful delivery of design solutions has led to significant growth of the firm, with areas of expertise including courthouse, education and environmental design.

PMA has completed multiple courthouse projects in the past and a further courthouse project is nearing completion; with the Whangarei District Court due to open early next year. Also set to open in 2010 is the new trade workshops building at EIT, the largest single building on the campus.

The Hastings District Court will be officially opened by the Minister of Justice, the Hon Simon Power, on 16 October 2009.

Minister for Court Georgina Te Heuheu, Ministry of Justice Chief Executive Belinda Clark and Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson will also be present.

HASTINGS COURTHOUSE FACTS

Physical Address

Corner Eastbourne and Market Street
Hastings

Timeline

2007 Detailed design commenced
2008 Construction commenced (April)
2009 Work completed (September)
Official opening (October)

Key consultants

 Project management
Ministry of Justice and The Building Intelligence Group (Wellington)

 Architects
Paris Magdalinos Architects (Hawke’s Bay)

 Construction
Argon Construction (Auckland)

The building

 3,450 square metres over two levels

 The courthouse is environmentally sustainable and has been future-proofed to support potential growth of court requirements

 Spaces include list court, family court, multi-use court, jury-capable court, mediation room and hearing room.

Prepared by No 9 Marketing & Design for Paris Magdalinos Architects

ENDS

© Scoop Media