The new City of Justice of Alicante

The 21st century has brought forth a new wave of architectural projects seeking to redefine the concept of judicial complexes, sometimes called Cities of Justice. These structures face the formidable challenge of consolidating various services and functions, including the civil registry, the Institute of Legal Medicine, and different courts, all within a single location. This paradigm shift necessitates designs that seamlessly blend with the surrounding cityscape and provide efficient, sustainable, citizen-centric buildings and landscaping.

Recognizing this need, the City of Alicante has embarked on an ambitious project to establish a judicial City of Justice, entrusting Ayesa with the responsibility of designing and overseeing the construction of the entire complex. With an investment of €86 million, the City of Justice is slated to be fully operational by 2025.

Ayesa’s architects face the challenge of creating a visually striking and modern aesthetic that not only reflects the complexity and significance of the judiciary but also embodies the values and cultural context of the city of Alicante.

Ayesa has taken on the role of the engineering firm responsible for designing the entire complex and will also oversee the construction management. In blending form and function, the design of judicial complexes seamlessly integrating into the urban fabric presents a formidable task. These structures must strike a delicate balance between their substantial structural footprint and the need to complement and enhance the existing cityscape.

Functionality and practicality remain paramount, as the complex is expected to provide citizens with streamlined and efficient judicial services. Sustainability and citizen-centric design are also vital considerations. To this end, the City of Justice incorporates sustainable features, such as a photovoltaic installation that harnesses solar energy.

The project aims to minimize its environmental impact and optimize energy consumption by embracing green technologies and intelligent systems.
Furthermore, accessibility for individuals with disabilities is prioritized to ensure inclusivity and cater to the needs of all citizens. The project encompasses a prominent building spanning over 46,000 square meters, featuring a ground floor, mezzanine, two basement levels, seven floors, and an attic with a photovoltaic installation providing energy from solar power.

The use of white ceramic latticed facades, traditionally produced in the Levante region, filters natural light and offers excellent thermal performance. In addition to the photovoltaic panels, the headquarters will incorporate intelligent systems for energy consumption control and climate regulation. The complex will be fully accessible for people with disabilities, and green areas and open spaces have been thoughtfully designed to enhance accessibility and urban integration.

As the appointed engineering firm, Ayesa plays a pivotal role in transforming the vision of the City of Justice into a tangible reality. Their expertise and experience enable them to address complex architectural challenges with finesse and innovation.

Ayesa’s approach to design incorporates advanced methodologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and virtual reality, which facilitate enhanced visualization, collaboration, and efficient construction management. By utilizing BIM, regular client reviews during the initial phases ensure that the final result aligns with the client’s expectations while guaranteeing sustainability, quality, and efficiency throughout the construction process. BIM also optimizes coordination between disciplines, reducing the likelihood of errors during construction, and assists in monitoring the building’s maintenance overtime during the operational phase. Through their expertise and cutting-edge methodologies, Ayesa stands at the forefront of this transformative project, ensuring that the City of Justice realizes its full potential as an iconic symbol of justice, functionality, and aesthetic excellence.