SCALA Civic Building of the Year Competition, 2008

Joint Winner

Her Majesty’s Court Service of the Department of Constitutional Affairs
Manchester Civil Justice Centre

Architect Denton Corker Marshall’s unique design for the Manchester Civil Justice Centre (MCJC) was the international competition-winning design for the Ministry of Justice in the North West of England. The building is the largest court complex to be built in the UK since the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.

The courts are expressed as long rectilinear forms, articulated at each floor level and project at each end of the building as a varied composition of solid and void. In side elevation, these elements collectively establish a dynamic and distinctive building profile; in end elevation, they form a powerful sculptural interplay of light and shade, depth and complexity. The architectural implication is that the courts are not forbidding or concealed, but open and accessible. The building houses 47 courtrooms and 75 consultation rooms, in addition to office and space over 15 levels.

Sustainability has been a major consideration from initial concept with natural ventilation to all areas. The use of local and sustainable materials and suppliers was targeted during construction, helping to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

Architect:

Denton Corker Marshall

Quantity Surveyor:

Gardiner & Theobald

Structural Engineer, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer:

Mott MacDonald

Main Contractor:

Bovis Lend Lease

Landscape Architect:

Hyland Edgar Driver

Acoustic Consultant:

Sandy Brown Associates