Manchester Civil Justice Centre
Manchester Civil Justice Centre is a court building in Manchester, England. Completed in 2007, it was the largest court building to be built in the UK since the Royal Courts of Justice in 1882.
Designed by Australian architects Denton Corker Marshall, it has been nicknamed ‘the filing cabinet’ because its cantilever floors extend over the lower levels at each end. The design draw inspiration from Expressionist architecture as well as the Futurist art movement of the 1920s which emphasised the use of dynamic lines.
The building comprises three vertical components of varying heights. The first is a 13-storey ‘finger’ block with long rectilinear forms, the second, a solid billet of steel circulation, and the third, a fully glazed atrium 60 x 60 m which is the largest of its kind in Europe. The design is intended to reinforce the idea that the judicial system is not concealed, but transparent and accessible.
The building attained a BREEAM Excellent rating, with its narrow, elongated form allowing for natural cross-ventilation, and natural lighting.
The building has been critically acclaimed, with Blueprint magazine calling it one of the ‘best British buildings of the 21st century’, and being nominated for RIBA’s Stirling Prize.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Calakmul Corporate Building, Mexico.
- CCTV Headquarters.
- Factory Manchester.
- Fuji TV Building, Tokyo.
- Guangzhou Circle.
- Ministry of Transportation Building, Georgia.
- Office Center 1000 Kaunas.
- Our Town Hall, Manchester.
- Scottish Parliament Building.
- Trinity Islands, Manchester.
- Unusual building design of the week.
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February