Construction of the new court in Jönköping starts

The first sod was recently turned for the new court building in Jönköping, which will house the Göta Court of Appeal and the Administrative Court of Appeal. After winning a competition, FOJAB has further developed the design.

- A prestigious assignment we are very proud of. Based on a strong idea, we have designed a building with clear character and architectural excellence," says Kjell Adamsson, responsible architect at FOJAB.

The new court building on Slottskajen will accommodate ten courtrooms and around 180 workplaces. The building volume is constructed in different scales and will connect the development along the western shore of Lake Munksjön, where the district court, administrative court and police station will be the closest neighbors.

- The new court will communicate respect and dignity, values that also characterize the existing court building from the 17th century. Through careful design, volume processing and choice of materials, the building is anchored in its local environment," says Kjell Adamsson.

Built to last over time
The façade is designed with light sand-colored ceramic elements. The depth and clear verticality of the facade creates an interesting shadow effect and contributes to the building's sun protection, and the vertical elements also regulate the degree of transparency and privacy. The project has high ambitions in terms of sustainability - the idea is that the court building will last for at least 400 years, just like its predecessor.

- With few, noble and sustainable materials that age beautifully over time, we give the building a long-term perspective and a materiality that is worthy of the important social function of the courts," says Jonas Ruthblad, supervising architect at FOJAB.

A public space with room for privacy
Based on the site's conditions and high demands on safety, function, environment and quality, the building will have a modern design that is well connected to the long history of judicial activities in Jönköping.

- There is a challenging contrast in its desire to be a public function in the city on the one hand and to meet people's need for privacy on the other. The aim has been to create a safe and calming environment for people who find themselves in a situation that can be difficult and stressful. A modern court as a representative of a healthy being requires that the design balances respect and dignity with openness and humility," concludes Kjell Adamsson.

Read more about Göta Hovrätt and the Court of Appeal