The new Palace of Justice in Córdoba, Spain finally broke ground in on December 2014. The project dates back to 2006 when Mecanoo won the first prize in an international competition to design a courthouse with 26 courtrooms, a wedding room, a Forensic Institute, offices, a cafe, an archive, a prison and a parking garage. Economic instability in the region caused a number of setbacks and delays. The construction of the project is now rapidly progressing with completion due in 2017.
With the smart integration of a striking design that recalls historic Córdoba and its Moorish influences in a contemporary way, the Palace of Justice adds appeal to its surroundings. A section of the old city plan translates in an abstract way into the layout of the courthouse. The city’s traditional courtyards are recognisable in the design, interrupting the compact building volume.