Renovation and Extension of the Perpignan Courthouse
Renovation and Extension of the Perpignan Courthouse
We proposed a project of continuity. A compact extension, attached to the southern façade, restores the urban alignment, re-establishes access from the Arago forecourt, and reconnects the institution with the city.
The composition is structured around two distinct figures. A low public plinth aligns with the buildings along Rue Abbadie and accommodates the courtrooms and public functions. Behind it, a discreet tower rises at the rear of the site, matching the height of the neighbouring tax office building and housing the administrative offices and the Public Prosecutor’s Department. This understated verticality integrates the complex into the rhythm of the city while reinforcing the presence of the historic courthouse.
Between these two volumes lies the Salle des Pas Perdus—the courthouse’s central public hall. Extending across the site, it links the two entrances and forms the project’s spatial backbone. A place of waiting, circulation and civic representation, it organises the distinct routes of visitors, legal professionals and service operations.
The structural concept is based on a regular grid of load-bearing solid brick walls. This system defines the volumes, shapes the spaces and establishes a discreet continuity with the civic architecture of Perpignan. Solid, perforated and glazed infill panels vary according to programme and use. The construction system generates the architecture rather than merely cladding it, giving the extension a material presence that is durable, protective and timeless.
Client : APIJ
Scope of Services : Complete mission + scenography + acoustics + EXE + SSI + Etudes STD/FLJ + signage design + material reuse strategy
Surface : 12 300 m² SDP – 8000 m² SU
Construction cost : 48,6 M€ HT
Status : Competition
Consultants : BAAS Arquitectura (Lead Architect and Urban Designer) – AB Paisagistes – Ingerop Conseil et Ingénierie – BMF – Antea France – Clarity – CL Design
Environmental Certifications : RT2012 / RT Ex – E3C1 – RE2020 – Réemploi – Matériaux biosourcés et bas carbone
Renovation and Extension of the Perpignan Courthouse
Client : APIJ
Scope of Services : Complete mission + scenography + acoustics + EXE + SSI + Etudes STD/FLJ + signage design + material reuse strategy
Surface : 12 300 m² SDP – 8000 m² SU
Construction cost : 48,6 M€ HT
Status : Competition
Consultants : BAAS Arquitectura (Lead Architect and Urban Designer) – AB Paisagistes – Ingerop Conseil et Ingénierie – BMF – Antea France – Clarity – CL Design
Environmental Certifications : RT2012 / RT Ex – E3C1 – RE2020 – Réemploi – Matériaux biosourcés et bas carbone
We proposed a project of continuity. A compact extension, attached to the southern façade, restores the urban alignment, re-establishes access from the Arago forecourt, and reconnects the institution with the city.
The composition is structured around two distinct figures. A low public plinth aligns with the buildings along Rue Abbadie and accommodates the courtrooms and public functions. Behind it, a discreet tower rises at the rear of the site, matching the height of the neighbouring tax office building and housing the administrative offices and the Public Prosecutor’s Department. This understated verticality integrates the complex into the rhythm of the city while reinforcing the presence of the historic courthouse.
Between these two volumes lies the Salle des Pas Perdus—the courthouse’s central public hall. Extending across the site, it links the two entrances and forms the project’s spatial backbone. A place of waiting, circulation and civic representation, it organises the distinct routes of visitors, legal professionals and service operations.
The structural concept is based on a regular grid of load-bearing solid brick walls. This system defines the volumes, shapes the spaces and establishes a discreet continuity with the civic architecture of Perpignan. Solid, perforated and glazed infill panels vary according to programme and use. The construction system generates the architecture rather than merely cladding it, giving the extension a material presence that is durable, protective and timeless.