60% architects design intent Salem: J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center July 16,2008
Architects' Design Intent Statement
The 60% exterior elevations in this submittal are a development of the building's design based on
comments from the Interested Parties,the MHC,DCAM and AOTC.
Our goal has been to produce an integrated design for the whole structure while addressing specific site
conditions on different sides of the building. The building is composed of several elements: the main
courthouse wing,the church/law library,the entry pavilion/juvenile court—all of which are connected by
and to the public concourse. The smaller elements have been placed on the Federal Street side to
reinforce the scale and character of that historic street. The main courthouse wing has been placed on
Bridge Street, facing the North River. This description is organized by street elevations.
Bridge Street Elevation (north)
We have continued to develop this facade in response to comments from the Interested Parties, working
with the Loggia Scheme.
The composition of this facade divides the building vertically into two major elements with a glass link
between them. Each of the major elements is further subdivided by a vertical recessed brick panel. The
main facade is also divided into:
1) a base,with alternating brick and cast stone panels
2) a middle,with symmetrically arranged large-scale window openings trimmed with cast stone and
metal
3) a top—defined by the glass and metal loggia
The mechanical penthouses are simple rectangular forms and have been reduced in height(by using 3
versus 2 units for the cooling tower) and are clad in a pale metal enclosure. The penthouses are further
refined with subdivided panels and vertical battens.
The building on this facade is 86'-9"to top of Loggia. The top of the parapet beyond is 5'-2"higher and
the penthouses are another 11 feet above the parapet.
The Federal Street elevation(south)
The Pavilion Building has been refined in its design with a larger ratio of stone to glass. Larger diameter
portico columns(30"vs. the earlier 18")with greater detail,have been moved away from the building to
allow passage behind them. The top of the Pavilion canopy is 47 feet tall above Federal Street and the
parapet beyond is 2'-6"higher.
The South Wall fritted glass pattern has been regularized to create a more neutral background. The metal
frame has been reduced to metal panels at the ends which step down from the glass.
The North Street elevation(west, east is similar)
These elevations express the courtrooms with monumental scale window openings,topped by projecting
canopies that reprise the loggia roof to signify the civic importance and gateway character of the building.
The elevation steps down at the Bridge Street NW corner(where the building holds smaller spaces)and
towards Federal Street(where the metal clad ends of the public concourse are lower).
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