This project has consolidated the majority of the Barcelona and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat judicial departments, formerly scattered across both cities in 17 separate buildings. This was a source of frustration for both employees and citizens and compromised the efficiency of the entire system. The new conjoined City of Justice provides an environment able to adapt to a judicial system in constant evolution, space for future growth and also allows for the greater, necessary efficiency.
Previously the site of military barracks, the new City of Justice borders on both Barcelona and l’Hospitalet de Llobregat and is easily accessible from both cities on public and private transportation due to its position along the Gran Via, a major access road to the center/centre of Barcelona and Carrilet Avenue, an artery leading to l’Hospitalet.
The most significant aspect of the project is the division of the massive requirements (241.519,92 sq.m/m2) into nine buildings, four of which are directly linked by a covered atrium. This division aims to dispel the rigid, monolithic image often associated with justice.
The project also balances work-related zones with public and landscaped areas. The four court buildings are grouped around a central atrium, the main public space of the complex, while the five others, somewhat autonomous, are intended for all auxiliary uses linked to judicial activity.
