Hammond Art
The courthouse is an architectural creation by the world
renowned architects, I.M. Pei, Cobb, Freed and Partners.
United States Courthouse
This United States Courthouse and Office Building was undertaken
to provide suitable accommodations for the District and Bankruptcy
Courts. It is located on a generous downtown site and is a focus of
rejuvenation for the entire center city area. In this context, the
building has been pulled back from the street atop a gently
inclined public park and designed to convey a sense of stability,
impartiality and repose.
The symmetrical structure articulates function by fenestration
gathered into discrete zones. The grandest is the 64-foot-high
vaulted central hall which, filled with light, joins the two wings
of the building and invites public participation. Glazing is
balanced by large limestone surfaces that announce the presence of
courtrooms on the upper levels. Interior spaces are dignified by
generous proportions and a simple palette of materials. Oak
paneling frames the participants in the judicial process: judge,
jury, witness and the public. District Courtrooms on the top floor
enjoy the additional benefit of natural light introduced through
octagonal monitors above shaped ceilings.
In their pursuit of equal justice, the courts embody the essence
of American democracy. This building seeks to reaffirm that
fundamental premise with a design based on clarity, dignity,
permanence, and above all, accessibility to the community it
serves.
The Associated Press picked up the story and has provided
Hammond with international attention.
Who would of thunk it! :)