The design team is facing several MEP technical challenges relating in particular to the complex geometry of the architecture and to the requirement for the accessible green roof. We developed a BIM model, shared weekly with all stakeholders, to facilitate day-to-day coordination and avoid impact of building services infrastructure on the green roof.
The sustainability ambitions were also challenging for a geometrical building with an extensive glazed façade and internal atrium. To ensure a comfortable indoor temperature while minimising energy consumption, we carried out thermal modelling for all the physical components of the building to achieve the best performance of each element, such as glazed facades, insulation and chillers.
The security strategy was central to the design of the courthouse, given its sensitivity in terms of protecting the public, justice employees, detainees and police officers. We worked with stakeholders from the ministry to develop optimum accessibility strategies for each user category, responding to the client’s requirement of creating separate circulation patterns for detainees, the public and justice employees. CCTV and other security systems were implemented to provide a high level of security for both the internal and outdoor spaces around the building.
The fire security strategy was also critical and we held regular meetings with stakeholders and the fire brigade to identify all the fire risks and fully understand the fire-fighters’ requirements in terms of intervention and accessibility for all rescue services.