San Antonio Federal Courthouse

The building conveys concepts such as balance, order, strength, longevity, trust, and solemnity. The careful articulation of form, building massing, fine materials, crafted detailing and ornament convey the hierarchy of the architecture.

The interior atrium “courtyard” is a reference to the Camino Real – the historic road that once connected Mexico City to the Spanish-colonial Missions, presidios, and other governmental centers which ran right through the site. The design honors the roadway throughout the building’s public spaces through pattern, color and art.

At the Santa Rosa Street façade the three-story glass walls provide discreet views into the public atrium displaying the transparency and openness of the democratic legal system. The courtroom and administrative wings are defined by pre-cast panels clad in ‘Sisterdale Old Yella’ stone with vertical bands of a glazed curtain wall that rests on a pre-cast base wall clad in terracotta.

The courtrooms are developed as simple formal spaces, with the bench, witness box and jury box placed much like furniture within the room. These strong ordered volumes promote the dignity of the judicial proceedings and provide a suitable theater for the adjudication of multiple proceedings. Each courtroom has a central bench which is reinforced in the planning and design of the room’s volume.

The courtroom sightlines are enhanced by placing the clerks in front of the bench at ground level. The two-tiered jury and witness box sit above ground level, and the Judge sits highest above all. The hierarchy of levels improves visibility for all in the space. Natural daylight is provided from both from clerestory and transoms over the courtroom entry doors.