The new 265,000 square-foot Lowell Justice Center courthouse in Massachusetts designed by Finegold Alexander Architects has opened to the public.

The $146 million facility houses Superior, District, Housing, Juvenile, Probate, and Family Court facilities, including 17 courtrooms that service those uses. Additionally, the glass-wrapped structure contains offices for court staff, a Court Service Center, a Law Library, a Registry of Deeds facility, offices of the District Attorney, and a Grand Jury Room. 

The complex is grounded by a two-story, all glass atrium wrapped in artwork displays created by UK artist Martin Donlin that evoke bygone local industries and stylistic motifs symbolizing the ideals of justice in multiple languages.

According to the architects, major design considerations for the project include bringing Universal Design features to the sloped site, infusing courtrooms, hallways, and lobbies with an "abundance of natural light," as well as views to the outdoors. 

A statement from the designers reads, "Sloped walks traversing a 25- foot change in grade across the site lead to an entrance plaza without any steps. This universally accessible concept continues within the entire building with ample circulation space, multiple elevators, accessible raised judge’s benches, abundant wheelchair spaces in courtrooms, audio and visual technology, and glazed stairwells at each end of the public galleries to encourage walking while enhancing wellness."

Additionally, the building is designed to rigorous environmental standards and is projecting LEED Platinum Certification. According to the architects, "The building contains a chilled beam HVAC system, photo-voltaic panels, and a sophisticated building envelope. Building systems and controls among many design features were specified to achieve performance targets 40% better than code."