Versatile court building in Lille

Eiffage Construction is constructing a judicial building in Lille that unites the past, present and future, relying on SOTRALENTZ
CONSTRUCTION. The seminal building is to be constructed on the site of the former Vauban fortifications and is due to be completed by 2025.

The new building, commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, will house the High Court and the District Court of Lille. SOTRALENTZ CONSTRUCTION is supplying 1,300 tonnes of steel for the complex judicial building. Between October and December 2022, 440 tonnes of welded mesh and spacers for the floor slabs have already been delivered. Another 860 tonnes of welded mesh for the floors of the storeys will follow by October 2023.

The architects OMA from Rotterdam did not plan a classic courthouse: a large entrance area literally draws passers-by into the building. Another geometric figure forms the inner centre: it is designed as a triangle with a light-flooded atrium in the middle. A light-coloured interior and exposed concrete create a bright, neutral atmosphere. While the base will house the 11 large main courtrooms, the 61 smaller conference rooms are concentrated in the triangular structure. The hexagon is intended for offices and administration rooms – they flow around or rise above the jurisdiction zones as a protective and elegant ring.