The firm of NORR Ltd., Architects & Engineers has continued its winning ways in design of justice facilities, nabbing a certificate of merit from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for the Pembroke courthouse renovations and alterations project.
Architecture
The firm of NORR Ltd., Architects & Engineers has continued its winning ways in design of justice facilities, nabbing a certificate of merit from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for the Pembroke courthouse renovations and alterations project.
The firm previously won a merit award, conferred by the AIA’s academy of architecture for justice, for redevelopment at the Collins Bay medium-security institution.
“To my mind, this is pretty prestigious given the number of courthouses and correctional facilities that are built in North America,” said Silvio Baldassarra, vice-president of Toronto-based NORR.
The estimated $19 million Pembroke courthouse project is scheduled for completion next spring. It is being constructed by M. Sullivan & Sons Ltd.
NORR design principal David Clusiau said the design of the complex “achieves a balance” between the tight site, the technical demands of the program and the desire to integrate a heritage courthouse, registry and jail.
The original elements are used as landmarks within the complex, “adding tradition and authenticity” to the visitor’s experience, Clusiau said.
A light-filled, two-storey atrium wraps the restored courthouse, providing access to the five new courtrooms, support services and the restored heritage courtroom.
The previously hidden jail is revealed on one side of the public atrium and in two of the courtrooms. The historic registry building is on display within a two-storey lawyers’ lounge.
The new addition wraps around the back of the historic courthouse appearing along the main street as two “deferential and contemporary” wings set back on each side of the original structure.
“The building reflects a contemporary judicial system built on tradition,” Clusiau said.
The project is to be published in the AIA’s 2006-2007 Justice Facilities Review, which offers the profession an indicator of proven strategies and the latest trends in the design and construction of such facilities.
NORR previously received citations from the AIA for the John Sopinka courthouse in Hamilton and the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Judicial Building in Ottawa.
NORR Ltd. is a fully integrated architectural, interior design and engineering firm. It is part of the Ingenium Group of companies.
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