NCJ Number
116271
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 27-34
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The development of the design for the new courthouse and criminal justice complex in Ocean County (N.J.) reflected the view that architecture is a response to three factors: place, philosophy, and function.
Abstract
The county has a largely rural identify, has a large population of retired persons, and has experienced rapid growth accompanied by family-related problems. Family court personnel thus suggested that the empty space in the new courthouse be used as family courtrooms. They also expressed the philosophy that the family court requires formality to convey a sense of respect and that its goals are reconciliation and an end to estrangement rather than justice or retribution. They also noted that the family court's functions required a large amount of informal, reasonably confidential space, coupled with a formal courtroom. The final design included three courtrooms, each of which could be divided by substantial partitions to use seating while closing the hearing area. It also included three complete chambers, 10 conference rooms, two visitation rooms with one-way glass windows for observation, one nursery/supervised visitation room, three detention rooms, a conference room, a waiting room, a nursery, a prosecutor's room, and a public defender's room. The decor has also been changed to produce a comfortable rather than sterile atmosphere. Many court personnel and the author's family members have made constructive contributions to the project. Diagram and 2 notes.