NEW TORONTO COURTHOUSE -

TORONTO

Lasting over a year, the collaborative design process conducted between Paris and Toronto has produced a strong architectural vision for the site by maximizing exterior public space, improving the streetscape on Centre Avenue and Chestnut Street and strengthening the links and relationship between the courthouse and the city.  

In particular, a 20m tall atrium enclosed by a highly transparent glazed facade creates an immediate and strong image which will extend the public realm into the building, as well as expressing the public nature of the courthouse within the city. Above the podium, a clearly legible cubic volume houses courtrooms and associated services. This volume floats above the highly glazed lower levels but retains an image of lightness due to the facade design composed of layers of glass and embossed metallic back pans, generating a dynamic and immaterial play of constantly changing reflections and shadows.  

The building projects a clear and dignified expression of its function and role in an iconic whole that does not impose itself merely with authority but reflects the diversity and ideals of society, producing a modern, open, accessible, and transparent image of the administration of justice. 

On center of the south façade, an architectural mast creates a link to the East portico of Osgoode Hall which was originally defined by the architects in 1832 as the terminating vista looking North on York Street. In this manner, the project will complement the judicial precinct that began to take shape some 180 years ago. 

Photo credits: Renzo Piano Building Workshop