Palacio de Justica de Gouveia – Barbosa & Guimarães Architects

The project builds on the demolition of the existing building, completely occupying the field to design a new plaza, with a scale and dignity to receive the Palace of Justice. Speaking to the granite walls that define their environment, the square takes the form of a bottleneck of stone, on which rests the Palace of Justice.

The building, supported by four pillars, ensures transparency and connection between the two gardens that define the north and south. The dignity and symbolism that a building like the Palace of Justice should be always achieved with the monolithic and singular character that takes the volume of white concrete, especially in the expression of their elevations compact, with empty spaces as if they were carved deep suspended over the plaza.

A generously proportioned staircase opens onto a patio, honoring the access floor of the Croton. The lobby / foyer crosses longitudinally the entire building, communicating directly with the garden in the north, establishing a close relationship with the existing tree canopy through a horizontal empty space.

In volume, the hall of the Court points to a series of vertical skylights subtly illuminate the entire space. Registration services, which operate independently, are installed in the filled part of the building, open to the courtyard that communicates directly with the North Lawn. The project includes a public parking space hidden under the square with access from adjacent streets.