Orlando, Fla., May 5, 2023—The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a Design Excellence Merit Award in the AIA Orlando 2023 Design Awards program for the Indianapolis Consolidated Justice Facility in Indianapolis. This is one of Florida’s most distinguished celebrations of design for built and unbuilt projects.
This 420,000-SF facility unifies previously scattered city law enforcement and judiciary functions in the up-and-coming Twin Aire neighborhood of east Indianapolis. The new, glass-clad 12-story tower is sited to overlook the downtown skyline and curves along the Pleasant Run waterway, which ripples in the reflection of the building. This elevation is both a symbol of transparency and a dignified screen for the public approach to the complex, which includes an adult detention facility and juvenile justice center. The tower primarily hosts the public functions, including family courts, court support functions, offices, courtrooms, and associated public space.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” says Senior Designer Shane Clark, AIA. “The courthouse will be a welcoming and calming environment for the public with natural daylight and dramatic views toward the downtown skyline. This new facility is redefining “best practices” in law and helping to change the delivery of justice for communities across Marion County.”
Public waiting areas are programmed along the north perimeter of the tower, which provide ample ambient daylight and views over the adjacent forests and neighborhoods. Glass transoms over wooden doors carry the natural light into courtrooms and continue the biophilic design strategies for a calming effect on court participants.
The award was announced at the Design Awards Gala on May 5 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. We share this recognition with our design-build team at Schmidt Associates and F.A. Wilhelm Construction.
