Glass Palaces

All aboard, fair listeners, as we take you on a summer tour of the fascinating world of courthouse architecture and how it shapes our justice system.

Can courthouse design impact justice?

You’ve joined us right in the middle of America’s greatest era of civics construction. Over the last 30 years, the federal government spent more than $10 billion building or renovating more than 200 federal courts, not to mention all the new state ones. Due to growing caseloads, more judges get appointed, who, in turn, need more space for more staff.

In our eighth episode this season, we detail the history behind grand, historical courthouse and the innovation of more modern designs, like the “Cube” in Los Angeles. From the architects crafting light-filled, functional courthouse spaces to the sheriffs seeking to amplify light inside to prioritize mental health and security for inmates and staff alike, we bring you the thoughts behind the critical evolution in courthouse design.

A quick editor’s note: we are off for our summer break until August. See you then, same time, same place!

Special guests:

• Curtis Fentress, principal in charge of design at Fentress Architects
• Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins 
• Denver County Court Judge Frances Simonet
• Kate Merrill, wedding photographer

This episode was produced by Kirk McDaniel. Intro music by The Dead Pens.

Editorial staff is Sean Duffy and Jamie Ross.

Chapters

• 0:00 A Walking History Tour
• 13:48 Give Them Light
• 35:38 Through the Metal Detectors