This
900,000 square foot courthouse complex consists of a
27-story tower rising above a 9-story base, and accommodates
710 employees. The $279 million facility contains
43 courtrooms, 43 judges’ chambers, 55 detention
cells, and support space for the district and circuit
courts as well as the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
The mechanical and electrical systems were designed
to be flexible, simple to operate, energy efficient,
and to offer a high degree of space comfort and indoor
air quality. High efficiency electrical refrigeration
machines generate chilled water for distribution to
floor-by-floor variable air volume (VAV) air handling
units. Low temperature supply air is distributed to
VAV fan powered terminal units that maintain constant
air motion in the occupied space. The fan powered terminal
units, through the induction of warmer above-ceiling
plenum air, incorporate a heat recovery feature for
use in perimeter space heating prior to the energizing
of heating coils. The refrigeration system includes
water-side economizer for energy conservation. Dedicated
pathways for electrical, data and voice communication
systems were included to accommodate the installation
of sophisticated audio/visual systems in each courtroom.
A state-of-the-art Building Automation System (composed
of a direct digitally controlled energy management system,
a building-wide security system and a fire alarm/life
safety system) was also included. Working with the architect,
Cosentini prepared security documents in accordance
with the U.S. Marshal’s guidelines for courthouses
indicating the installation of such high technology
security devices as a card reader access control system,
CCTV, duress alarms, electrical door locks for holding
cells and other secured spaces, motion detection system,
and a stand-along security system for the U.S. Attorney’s
Office. The entire facility was designed to meet federal
guidelines set forth in the U.S. Marshal’s Standards,
PBS-PQ.100, Court Design Guide.
|
