Besides representing, in the most civic sense the Symbol of Justice for the Republic of Italy, the new Federal Courthouse at Rimini is a welcome addition to the City providing a place where people can meet and interact. The design concept included architecture and interior design functions. The new building was strategically located in relation to the adjacent public plaza, that kept pedestrians separated from vehicular traffic while allowing easy access to the underground parking structure.

The entrance to the plaza is defined by a striking inclined atrium wall of the Courthouse Building on via della Republica. The building’s marble envelope is perforated with rows of large recessed openings that provide the interior work spaces with good quality natural light and ventilation without any solar gain. The regular façade rhythm is interrupted by the sculptural volumes that are inserted at the extreme ends and at the main entrance to the building.

The four-storey open court building contains the staff and administrative offices and archives that directly relate to the courtrooms and public attorney offices. Circumscribed by the main block, a green-scaped roof garden provides the physical protection to each of the court rooms, while to the west side, two blocks with inclined roof tops articulate the presence of the Federal Judge’s parking area. The atrium has been designed to be a complex and intricate spatial form with ample surfaces that provides a sense of openness and accessibility at the ground level, while successfully providing the basis for the building’s interior spatial development. Located below-grade, apart from parking, is the maximum security garage area, prisoner holding cells, anti-terrorist safe room and the evidence storage areas. To one side of the atrium a coned-shaped form houses the public service facilities such as the post office, the bank, the café and the library.