Pub. 1 2020-2021 Issue 2

21 can be used to improve the security in historic buildings, but many of those methods, materials, and remodeling damage or destroy the historic fabric of irreplaceable landmarks). Then, Chris Coutts at NWL sent me a brochure from the GSA, quoting Thomas Phifer. I learned about the shapes, forms, daylighting, and sustainable features. Thomas Phifer, the lead designer, said that “rather than use the classical elements that Jefferson brought to America from Europe, people should experience a contemporary justice that is open, transparent, light- filled.” I now know that the building is 10 stories and has three circulation paths, and this modern building is ever so much more functional than its predecessor, the Frank Moss Building, on the Main Street side of the site. This puts to rest the idea that the entire design of the building was driven by security issues — in fact, it seems that, if anything, it was driven by daylighting. Still, when I talked with Sergey Akhpatelov at NWL, who worked on the job, it is clear that there are so many security features, many of which Dave had outlined for me, that contribute to the exterior and interior expression of the Hatch Courthouse that I can appreciate, especially in light of the recent attacks on federal buildings. For instance: • The concrete walls, stairs, and bollards on West Temple were designed per US Marshals Guidelines to stop a 2,000 pound truck being driven at 30 miles per hour. • There is a 50-foot standoff (setback) from the street(s) — a regulation since 9/11 where the building sits on the site is directly related to its ability to be distant from an explosive. • The height of the building is driven by the size of the site, which must have a 50-foot standoff, and the programmatic needs of the courthouse — so ten floors. • Landscaping plantings, site furniture, and site features were minimized to prevent providing a place to hide an explosive close to the building. • No public parking under the building (first World Trade Center attack). • Designed for progressive collapse, any one perimeter column could be taken out without the entire building collapsing. (Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing) • There is a clear separation between public, restricted, and secure circulation within the building. • There are a minimal number of exterior doors, limiting public access. • Glazing — the curtain wall has two inner laminated lites as opposed to a single lite in commercial buildings. Glazing can be the most dangerous risk because if it is broken, it can become a projectile. And that is just a sampling of the passive measures that are built into the design. There are all the design features that provide additional passive security, even if that wasn’t their main intention. Unlike the Capitol, these walls are not easily scaled; the judiciary is located on the top floors where they are easier to protect, I asked Sergey if the reflecting pools were moats. He said no. Add all the technology and active features and what you have is an enormously secure and functional courthouse that has astounding daylighting, efficient workplaces and stunning views that also make a minimal impact on the environment. A friend of mine, a federal probation officer, works in the building. She said, “yeah, I prefer traditional architecture, but I never feel unsafe here. I had a guy try to throw a boulder through a window, and he couldn’t.” You can’t just make people like contemporary architecture, but you can help them appreciate a design for the value it brings to the community. b You can’t just make people like contemporary architecture, but you can help them appreciate a design for the value it brings to the community.