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Morris County Courthouse

Design-Build courthouse balancing civic dignity with operational requirements

Rendering of the new Morris County Courthouse
LocationMorris County, New Jersey
ClientMorris County
RoleJob Captain
FirmAECOM
TimelineSeptember 2022 - March 2023

Project Overview

Design-Build courthouse project requiring coordination of civic architecture with justice facility security and operational requirements. The project demanded balancing public accessibility and transparency with the security needs of a modern judicial facility.

Courthouses represent a unique typology within justice architecture—buildings that must project civic authority and accessibility while maintaining strict security separations between the public, court staff, and in-custody individuals.

Design Approach

Modern courthouses must navigate competing requirements:

  • Civic Presence – Architecture that conveys the dignity of the judicial system
  • Public Accessibility – Welcoming spaces for citizens accessing courts
  • Security Separation – Distinct circulation paths for public, staff, and custody
  • Operational Efficiency – Layouts supporting court scheduling and flow

Project Contribution

  • Guided project from Schematic Design toward Design Development completion
  • Created detailed floor plans and renderings in Revit
  • Integrated sustainable design principles with practical courthouse operations
  • Facilitated client feedback integration across design phases
  • Coordinated with Design-Build team on constructability issues

Key Features

Courtroom Design

Flexible courtrooms supporting various proceeding types

Public Lobby

Dignified arrival experience with efficient security screening

Three-Way Separation

Distinct paths for public, staff, and custody

Sustainable Design

Energy-efficient systems and daylighting strategies

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