Seeing Justice
in Sustainable Light

The Alfred A. Arraj US District Courthouse is the GSA’s sustainable design showcase.

The lighting design provides a dramatic improvement in energy conservation and environmental performance over a conventionally designed courthouse. Most importantly, it provides a healthy, safe and productive working environment in courtrooms.

HOK’s lighting designers used special lighting techniques in the courthouse’s various spaces, including courtrooms, judges’ chambers, public spaces, the library and cafeteria. The design incorporates natural daylight to significantly reduce electric loads.

State-of-the-art electric lighting systems supplement the use of daylight. These systems use a combination of direct/indirect luminaires with T-5 fluorescent lamps and dimmable electronic ballasts, as well as compact fluorescent and metal halide downlights and wall washers. The illumination levels work in harmony with the daylighting and high-performance glazing systems to provide balanced lighting with low energy consumption.

In courtrooms, incandescent lighting is used only when necessary. Photocell controls work in conjunction with electronic fluorescent dimming ballasts to save energy in areas that are naturally illuminated. In spaces that do not receive daylight, the electric lighting systems provide low-level ambient lighting enhanced with occupant-controlled task lighting. Occupancy sensors control the lighting in private offices.