Courthouse Design

Below are three designs that were created for a proposed U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau, MO. Each design was based upon a different building schematic designed by the architect. Siting of the building and parking design was a collaborative effort between the architects and our office. The remaining softscape and hardscape design was by my office. Due to this being a government building security was of the utmost importance. This meant trying to incorporate defense structures into the design, without creating a fortress appearance.

Scheme A was the most suburban of the three proposals. The building was to be a midrise structure that surrounded the parking lot. Separating the parking lot from the building was a proposed dry stream bed that would be used for stormwater detention, as well as helping to meet security design requirements for a government building. A cantilevered walkway was also proposed that provided access to the main entry atrium.




Scheme B was to be a 15-16 story building. Because of the height there was substantially more room for greenspace and public space. The ovals surrounding the building were based of off the shape of the parking area, and varied in use. A large hardscape oval was to wrap around the building providing public meeting space. Other ovals were to provide walking paths, as well as a "Grey Water" treatment system.


Scheme C was to be a double envelope glass structure. The thought was to place the building at the sites highest point and create a terraced entry steps and lawn area surrounding the building, while using the same concept with the design of the parking area. A "lightning bolt" walkway was designed to connect the lower parking areas to the front of the building.