Hässleholm District Court
A well-balanced interplay
Different tasks require different approaches – that much is self-evident. In a court, perpetrators and victims meet in a vulnerable situation. Thus the need of architects who know how to create functional environments with a touch of warmth.
Some buildings are particularly important for society and require a lot of us, both as citizens and as architects. The court is one such example. Here you have an interplay between a number of elements, both on a practical and a symbolic level. Hässleholm District Court is housed in a red brick building from the 1800s. The task was to transform it into a modern workplace with all that entails, with regard to technical advances and new laws and regulations.
“The big challenge was to make a high-security design with high technical functionality that still feels human and familiar without losing its seriousness. We wanted to convey a serious and caring atmosphere in a setting that is also functional,” says Patrik Haglund, project architect responsible for the interior.
From the 1800s to today
Tengbom came in early in the project and had great opportunities to build strong relationships with both the client and the house architect for the Courts Administration. A thorough renovation and expansion was on the docket, with both the public areas, offices and mediation rooms needing to be revised to fit into the 2010s. The basic task was to separate the public from those whose work for the court, something that was not as important previously as it is now. The mission has always been to create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, where the internal environment interacts with the overall character of the building and contributes to a pleasant experience for both visitors and employees.
“I’m always coming back to this idea of humanity. This is a technically challenging environment with microphones and monitors everywhere, but it shouldn’t feel like entering into a technological vortex – there should be some dignity in the space. In Sweden, you are innocent until you are convicted, and the building must reflect these fundamental rights,” says Patrik Haglund.
Gravity and function in Hässleholm District Court
There is the one, very public side of the court, with arbitration and judgements. But it was also important for the team to talk to those who work there and understand what their professional roles look like. Not all their time is spent in the courtroom. Much of their work consists of processing large amounts of text, video and film material for evidence. Therefore, it is of course equally important that the building function as a workplace. The work environment and office space stood very much in focus. In order to enjoy your job and perform at your best, it is important to feel that you are able to relax in daily life.
The two central roles of the building are to be functional, and to serve as a symbol. But Patrik Haglund also emphasises comfort as a third. A holistic approach in terms of colours and materials is fundamental. The team chose to work with large textile pieces. Such as drapes and curtains, as a stylistic tie-in with the old building. A very large part of the interior in the public area is custom designed to the smallest detail.
“The most successful part, I think, was the arbitration rooms. Here, we stuck with a muted, cohesive palette, we were incredibly careful with the technical solutions. We created beautiful, delicate spaces that also function in the context of modern society,” he concludes.