Extensive study of daylighting was done during the schematic design phase to ensure that daylight is optimized in these courtrooms. It was particularly important to model these spaces in order to understand how to control glare and visual distraction without compromising potential for harvesting daylight. There are three configurations of courtrooms; north, south, and center. Each configuration requires an individual approach to daylighting. Images below from computer models show a comparison of daylight in these courtrooms at noon on March 21.
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North
The image above is a section through a computer model of the north courtroom, looking north. Daylight enters directly from north-facing clerestory windows. These windows have been modeled with a partial opacity that would result from either a fritted glass or metal mesh as part of the glazing system. The corridor on the east receives light directly from outside. |
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Center
This image is a section through the model of a typical center courtroom, also looking north. These courtrooms are a challenge to daylight because they have no exterior walls. The only way to bring daylight in is to "borrow" it from the adjacent corridors on the east and west sides. Low sun in the morning and evening will produce glare that will require operable shades to control. The exterior glazing on the west side has been modeled with the same opacity as the north windows. Although actual levels of daylight will be low in the center of the room, access to view and the perception of daylight through the interior clerestory windows will provide the occupants with very important visual cues to outdoor conditions and the passing of time during the day. |
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South
This last image is a section through the south courtroom and looks south. It is a mirror of the north courtroom and gets daylight from large south-facing clerestory windows. Louvers have been added to shade the occupants from visual glare from direct sun. |
New Courthouse Project
State of California
NBBJ - Architect | 
