Jaldi-Vidhi

Court Design Handbook

Guidance for planning and designing accessible, safe and user-centred courts in India.

1

Court Design Handbook for District Courts in India

Court Design Handbook for District Courts in India

The Design Handbook seeks to envision and implement a user-centric District Court Complex responsive to the needs of all diverse users, i.e., litigants, judges, lawyers, Court staff, witnesses, accused persons, police, public visitors and other stakeholders in the justice system. A principles-based framework is used to highlight associated guidelines and design considerations, for creating truly inclusive, accessible, efficient, comfortable, adaptable, and sustainable Courts where the experience of seeking and providing justice is significantly improved.

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Projects Authors And Acknowledgements
Shreya Tripathy is a Senior Resident Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy working as part of the Justice, Access, and Lowering Delays in India (JALDI) Initiative. Priyamvadha Shivaji is a Research Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy working as part of the Justice, Access, and Lowering Delays in India (JALDI) Initiative. Brinda Sastry is an architect, urban designer, and planner with experience in formulating policies, audit frameworks, and design guidelines, with a participatory approach, to ensure inclusive and equitable design of public places. Shreya Shetty is an architect and urban design consultant, Co-Founder of 369 Ochre Studio who assisted in drafting the Harmonised Guidelines & Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021, drafted by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) & Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee released by Central Public Works Department, Government of India under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Bhagyalaxmi Madapur , Co-Founder of 369 Ochre Studio in Bengaluru, India, is an architect and urbanist who worked as a contract consultant with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the project "Sponge City: Towards Building Flood Resilient Kolkata," which involved creating educational materials-infographic handbooks, videos, and brochures aimed at strengthening the capacity of Kolkata Municipal Corporation for resilient urban services. Abubakar Shaikh is an architect and Art Lead at Autovrse. Gayatri Ganesh is an architect and Experience Designer at Autovrse. Milind D.P. is the Executive Vice President, Consultancy & Projects, BNA Technology Consulting Ltd. His division is focused on IT Infrastructure Design, Project Management and Monitoring of ICT Projects. Arun Kumar is an acoustic consultant at HMPL Consulting Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, with over 8 years of expertise in Architectural, Environmental, and Industrial Acoustics, dedicated to shaping sound environments for optimal experiences. Akshatha Hariharan is an architect exploring the realms of Visual & User experience design. Rama Raghavan is an Architectural writer and researcher based in Pune. As a pedagogue, she has curated courses in Accessibility and Universal Design. She has worked on several publications that intricately connect the built environment with socio-spatial dimensions. This report has been in the making for over two years and owes a great deal to the inputs provided by a multitude of people. The authors would like to thank the following: Deepika Kinhal (Team Lead, JALDI) for her guidance throughout the project and for reviewing the report. The authors are also grateful to Reshma Sekhar (Former Senior Resident Fellow, JALDI) for her contribution to the conceptualisation of the Handbook. Dr. Gaurav Raheja (Professor of Architecture, IIT Roorkee) and Dr. Rahela Korakhiwala (Author, From the Colonial to the Contemporary: Images, Iconography, Memories, and Performances of Law in India's High Courts) for their guidance in the conceptualisation stage. Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad (Former Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir High Court), Justice Ponugoti Naveen Rao (Former Acting Chief Justice, Telangana High Court) and Mr. Suresh Kogilgere (Former Registrar, Karnataka High Court) for their inputs for the project. Dr. Tanya Machado (Professor of Clinical Psychology (Rtd). Consultant Clinical Psychologist) and Dr. Ria Fernandez (Rehabilitation Specialist, Mazumdar Shaw Hospital) for their inputs on child-friendly design and providing trauma-informed design considerations for vulnerable witnesses. Akhilesh (Project Second Chance) for his inputs on safe, secure, and humane design considerations for accused persons. Nilesh Singit (independent accessibility expert) and Dr. Sanjay Jain (Professor at National Law School of India University, Bengaluru), members of the Supreme Court Committee on Accessibility, for their inputs on ensuring universal accessibility. Alok Prasanna Kumar (Co-founder and Team Lead, Vidhi Karnataka), and Vidhi Fellows Manmayi Sharma (Senior Resident Fellow, Disability Inclusion & Access), Yashaswini Basu (Outreach Lead, Nyaaya), Yogini Oke (Impact and Partnerships Fellow), Shireen Yachu (Communications Fellow, Impact Collective) and Somya Jain (Research Fellow, Disability Inclusion & Access) for their inputs on the project. Damini Ghosh (Team Lead, Disability, Inclusion & Access at Vidhi) and Prof. Sanjay Kanvinde (Senior Partner, Kanvinde Rai & Chowdhury) for peer-reviewing the Handbook and providing their invaluable feedback. Over the months of February and March 2024, four round-table consultations were held with experts from various fields, on the following themes covered in the Handbook: Institutional capacity building; Making District Courts safe, secure and comfortable; Incorporating Universal Design Principles; and Facilitating efficient and future-ready Court Complexes. The authors would like to thank the following participants for their inputs during the sessions: Justice (retd.) Ponugoti Naveen Rao (former acting Chief Justice at Telangana High Court), Prof. Jyoti Dogra (Professor at Indian Law Institute), Dr. Sheila Ramaswamy (Technical & Operational Lead at NIMHANS), Ms. Arushi Anthwal (Legal Counsel at Counsel to Secure Justice), Ms. Kushi Kushalappa (Director, Support & Rehabilitation at Enfold India), Ms. Shirisha Reddy (Program Manager at Nyaaya Kannada), Mr. Amar Jain (co-founder at Mission Accessibility), Ms. Anita Iyer Narayan (Managing Trustee, sponsor and volunteer at Ekansh Trust), Prof. Gaurav Raheja (Professor Incharge, Inclusion & Accessibility Services at IIT Roorkee), Ms. Nivedita Krishna (founder-director at PACTA), Ms. Pooja Sastry (PhD candidate in architectural history at University College, Dublin), Ms. Shruti Dixit (practising lawyer in Lucknow), Mr. Akshay Jain (Assistant Program Manager at National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People), Mr. Rahul Bajaj (co-founder at Mission Accessibility) and Mr. R. Sri Kumar (former Head of Police Force in Karnataka and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner). The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is an independent think-tank doing legal research to make better laws and improve governance for the public good. The JALDI Initiative is a multi-year initiative that aims to advocate for and implement evidence-based reforms to eliminate the existing backlog in Courts and ensure that cases are disposed within reasonable timelines. This report is under the aegis of JALDI Innovation Lab, a multi-disciplinary collaborative of experts to design solutions for the justice delivery systems in India. Errors, if any, rest with the authors. Contact us at jaldi@vidhilegalpolicy.in
Sub Project Title
Design Guide for User-Centric Court Complexes

design

law

Content image 1
Jaldi Lab Aspect Title
Design

Design

Design-thinking and architecture to transform how accessing justice looks and feels

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Jaldi Lab Aspect Title
Law

Law

Rules and policies to guide implementation of reforms in a fair, just and transparent manner.

Project Videos

Introduction to the series

Introduction to the series

Introduction to the series

How can we improve e-Filing in courts?

How can we improve e-Filing in courts?

How can we improve e-Filing in courts?

Lato

justified

nearest

smooth

Harmonised Guidelines 2021, p. 23.

Lucy Wang, ‘Delhi High Court’s new expansion taps into green building principles' (

Inhabit,

11 January 2018)

'Warangal POCSO & Family Court’ (WeDesignLocal, 2021)

[“Warangal District Court Design”]

Harmonised Guidelines 2021, p. 26, Table 2.1: Understanding Disability & Diversity.

Warangal District Court Design (2021).

Warangal District Court,

The Court and the Courtyard: Our Journey of Transforming Warangal Court

(2022). [“Warangal Transformation Report”]

‘Fresh Restaurant Crisis Management Plan Template’ (

Riteforyouwellness

Jessie Darland, ‘Kitsap County Courthouse construction could begin in 2020’ (

Kitsap Sun,

23 January 2020)

‘Under-Construction Court Buildings’ (

Karnataka Judiciary

High Court of Karnataka, ‘E-Seva Kendra’

[“Karnataka E-Seva Kendra”]

‘United States Federal Courthouse’ (

PWP Landscape Architecture

Keith Fentress, ‘User-Friendliness as an Emerging Courthouse Design Trend’ (

Fentress Incorporated,

2018)

Nolan Lewis, ‘Justice gets a high-tech makeover at Delhi High Court’ (

Architectural Digest India,

12 October 2018)

[“Delhi High Court Extension Design”]

Harmonised Guidelines 2021, p. 286: Image 5.24: Priority seating signs.

‘Project References’

(Messung Building Automation & Controls)

ECBC (2017)

Rahul Kadri, ‘National Judicial Academy, at Bhopal, by IMK Architects’ (

ArchitectureLive!,

13 May 2021)

[“National Judicial Academy Design”]

Warangal District Court Design.

Delhi High Court Extension Design.

‘Krushi Bhawan / Studio Lotus’ (

ArchDaily,

National Judicial Academy Design.

‘Indira Paryavaran Bhawan’ (NZEB)

Madan, ‘India’s first solar-powered Court Complex in Khunti, Jharkhand inaugurated by Modi’ (

Planet Custodian,

3 October 2015)

Designing an intuitive information and wayfinding system using maps, floor plans, and directional signs for easy orientation and navigation for all users of the Court Complex. It involves ensuring that the information and wayfinding system is well-integrated with the Court building architecture and interior design, to deliver the best possible experience for the users.

Using clear and concise signage with universally understood icons, Braille, local and regional languages, adequate lighting, and digital displays for information dissemination. This involves ensuring legible user-friendly signage with adequate font size, colour and type, and communication of important information via two senses or more, ie., tactile, audible and visual.

For example,

use of bilingual signage with colourful icons would create an easily navigable space for the local users, as in the case of the signage used in the POCSO and Family Court in Warangal.

Acknowledging the diversity of all users of the Court Complex to bring an inclusive approach in the processes of the Court. This involves addressing the accessibility needs of people of all ages, gender, ability, sizes, caste, class and religion,

including children of all ages, women, transgenders, elderly persons, persons with specific health conditions, etc.

accessible gender-neutral washrooms, family washrooms and child-friendly facilities may be provided within all Court Complexes, such as the accessible unisex toilets provided in Meghalaya High Court.

Conducting training and capacity-building sessions to sensitise the Court staff on the difficulties faced by diverse users and the facilities or measures that promote access to all, regardless of age, size, gender, ability, or disability.

Designing the public interface of the Court Complex building to be aesthetically pleasing and friendly to a diverse set of users. This involves ensuring that the building image/architecture is not dominating and intimidating, and that the entrance is designed to be accessible, transparent and welcoming to the public. The design should move away from imposing colonial-era architecture and aim to use iconography to convey the idea of justice to the common person.

Adopting artwork, iconography and other design features related to the local history and cultural traditions and encouraging people’s associations with the same.

a signage system that uses colourful characters or traditional local art/ icons to create a calm and friendly experience may be provided as in the case of the Warangal POCSO and Family Court. Here the wayfinding signage is inspired by the traditional storytelling Cheriyal art form, and has doll characters that guide people through the Court Complex, instilling a sense of safety in the minds of the users and facilitating the right to feel protected.

Designing Court buildings that promote social integration among the users by involving the local community in the building construction or design of its spaces.

engaging the local community in co-producing the artworks in the public areas, acknowledges the local cultural values and promotes social integration, as seen in the initiative undertaken in the Warangal District Court design.

Providing accessible signage and facilities to facilitate intuitive egress during emergencies. It includes provision of signs for safe evacuation routes to accessible assembly areas, alarms / warning systems with visual alerts, and access to ambulance services and medical facilities.

a floor plan provided on all floors of the building to indicate the location of the user helps direct them to the closest exit. In addition, a digital screen with audio and video alerts should be provided.

Ensuring that the plans and procedures for emergency systems are streamlined to enhance overall preparedness and response efficiency. This involves regular testing and updating of protocols for emergency systems (like visual alerts, evacuation routes, and assembly areas) and implementing comprehensive maintenance schedules for accessibility features (ramps, lifts, Braille signage, etc.) to guarantee their optimal functionality and usability.

Providing regular training and awareness programs for staff to ensure they are well-versed with the operation and maintenance of emergency and accessibility features and can handle diverse situations effectively.

The prospect of

expandability

and

scalability

in terms of facilitating additions to the building;

Flexibility

versatility

in the spatial organisation of functions within the building; and

Convertibility

of spaces for new uses and

adjustability

of space to accommodate multiple uses or varied tasks.

Preparing a phasing plan for the construction of annexe buildings to accommodate additional Courtrooms, workspaces, and storage facilities that would be required with the increase in caseloads.

Reserving space for additional facilities such as security staff quarters, parking facilities, bank, post office and other amenities, and judicial residential quarters, particularly if the Court Complex is located in a context where such services and facilities are not in proximity.

Planning future expansion at the site level in a feasible, optimal and cost-effective manner, without disrupting existing activities.

a phasing plan could be used as in the case of the Kitsap County Courthouse renovation in Washington State, USA, which accommodates additional Courtrooms, parking and other functions.

Designing the building with a structural redundancy to accommodate additional floors or withstand earthquakes.

Using a modular building structure that accommodates modifications such as the addition of floors, mezzanines, or basements (where feasible), and allows division or joining of rooms to house future functions.

a grid frame construction with standardised floor-to-ceiling heights could be used to make it easy to partition a space or add new spaces when accommodating additional Courtrooms, offices, storage and other facilities, as seen in the Chikkamagaluru District Court, Karnataka.

Adopting an open-plan layout for administrative offices to ensure adaptability to changes, additions and retrofitting, without compromising on the safety, access and comfort of the users.

Ensuring that the Court spaces are flexible enough to accommodate new functions with the changing needs of its stakeholders and the judicial functions.

the Judge’s Chamber in the Karkardooma Court Complex, Delhi, which was converted into a Deposition room while accommodating the VWDC.

Source

Creating the Vulnerable Witness Deposition Complex from Existing Facilities, High Court of Uttarakhand

Incorporating the necessary physical infrastructure to realise the technological advancements required for conducting Court functions.

Providing reconfigurable digital infrastructure in workspaces and Courtrooms to ensure flexibility to accommodate varied functions.

audio-video integration for virtual hearings is adopted in the courtroom of Nayagarh District Court, Odisha.

Using modular furniture and storage units within spaces of the Court Complex to plan for new spatial configurations and additions with ease.

use of modular furniture as in the case of the e-Seva Kendra at the High Court of Karnataka makes it easy to adapt to new spatial configurations.

Segregating vehicular circulation routes and pedestrian paths at the site level to avoid conflict.

Providing restricted zones, and segregated and secure paths at the site level to ensure safety and minimise conflicts between users. This includes planning segregated entrances and paths within the Court building for different users to avoid conflict.

the path taken by the Vulnerable Witnesses must be segregated from the path of the Accused to avoid confrontation. Additionally, for POCSO and Family Courts, separate waiting areas with adequate security must be provided for Vulnerable Witnesses and children.

Designing the buildings and site topography to ensure that sight lines and visibility to and from entrances and security cabins are clear. It includes ensuring that no areas of possible concealment for persons or undesirable activities, that are a threat to security, are present.

Adopting territorial reinforcement approaches, including low walls, fences, signage, landscaping and other design features, to define levels of access to secured areas.

the landscaped entry plaza of the United States Federal Courthouse, Seattle with its cascading steps, water bodies and planting articulates levels of access from the street to the Courthouse entrance lobby.

Implementing security systems at the building and site level using advanced technology and non-intimidating security features, including in existing Court Complexes where there may be space constraints or challenges to restrain public movement because of site conditions.

a welcoming lobby where security equipment is integrated with the entrance doorway and the double-height lobby creates a non-intimidating and user-friendly entry to the Court building.

Providing windows, courtyards, skylights, etc., in Court spaces to ensure access to daylight, which helps to maintain circadian rhythms of the users, and for bringing in natural ventilation.

Designing the internal environment of spaces with consideration given to ambient qualities such as noise levels, temperature, colour schemes and texture of room interiors, to ensure a comfortable, non-stressful and calm environment for all users.

Providing ergonomic furniture in all spaces, including the Courtroom, office spaces, and waiting areas, to ensure comfort.

Bringing nature or greenery indoors or using surface treatments and colours to create a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and enhanced sensory experience. For instance, use of specific colours can help to reduce stimulation and introduce a calming effect on children in Court spaces. This includes designing spaces such as a crèche for POCSO Courts, which are places of high distress and intimidation, to instil a sense of safety and calmness.

in the Delhi High Court’s extension, the use of indoor green walls creates a comfortable environment for litigants, lawyers and Judges.

Adopting smart systems to monitor and manage building services like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”), plumbing, electrical, and other operations, ensuring a comfortable, functional, and safe work environment.

adoption of smart systems for building management and access control would promote functional efficiency, as in the case of the Dharwad District Court in Karnataka,

where a Building Management System with 2,500 points for monitoring and control, and an Access Control System with 52 door controllers have been installed.

Conducting periodic audits and upgrades/maintenance of all internal and external building systems to ensure efficiency in the long run.

Installing customised warning systems with provision of appropriate accessible (audio, visual and tactile) signage to aid safe evacuation of diverse user groups in times of emergency.

Providing building floor plans in all workspaces and public areas, indicating the routes to the closest exits, the staircases and location of designated refuge areas or assembly points.

Practising regular emergency drills to ensure all building occupants become familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures and protocols.

Ensuring the building adheres to the Fire and Life Safety norms as per the National Building Code of India.

Establishing and implementing policies, plans and procedures for managing the safety and security systems, and conducting training and capacity-building programs for sensitising security personnel to address the needs of the diverse user groups.

the Orissa High Court has set up a Judicial Infrastructure Management Agency to manage and maintain the infrastructure and operations of the Court Complex, which will ensure safety and comfort for all users.

providing a dedicated evacuation chair at emergency exits for ensuring accessible evacuation.

Organising functions at the site level to facilitate efficient circulation. This includes organising the parking and locating building entrances to enable movement of all users without conflict.

Determining the number and size of Courtrooms and workspaces, and scaling the infrastructure needed for judicial, administrative and legal functions, based on the caseload of the Court and the number of persons using the space, to avoid overcrowding.

rranging functions within the Court buildings logically to ensure related functions are adjacent and circulation is clear, simple, and in accordance with the workflow.

the e-Seva Kendra in a Court Complex must be at the entrance of the Complex to ensure that all visiting users may locate it easily, such as the E-Seva Kendra in the Bhadrak District Court. Similarly the pending branch in a Court Complex must be in close proximity or adjacent to a Courtroom to ensure easy movement of files.

Providing high-quality physical infrastructure that is responsive to the needs of varied users including Judges, lawyers, staff, Accused and litigants. This includes provision of furniture, digital systems, office accessories, wayfinding and information systems, and amenities.

facilitating Information & Communication Technology (“ICT”) in the Court Complex to enable various ICT services to function as smoothly as physical Courts, and adopting modern file storage and retrieval facilities such as Mobile Compactor Storage Systems. For example, the Storage Systems used in the Bhadrak District Court.

Ensuring efficient access to facilities to promote a comfortable environment for all users.

Ensuring that the site can be approached by different modes of transport including walking, bicycling, and public transport.

Achieving functional optimization of the site which involves retrofitting existing structures and considering access roads, parking, vehicle barriers, perimeter lighting and other site security measures.

Ensuring sustainable use of land to minimise ecological impact. This involves laying out buildings in response to the site physiography by maintaining the site contours and views; preserving existing natural features and habitats; conserving eco-sensitive zones; and preventing soil erosion when applicable.

the National Judicial Academy building in Bhopal is stepped along the slope of the site and care has been taken to keep the heights low to frame unobstructed views of the lake. The terraces created at various levels have greenery and this integrates the building with the natural surroundings.

Adopting landscaping practices that promote biodiversity and ecosystem health. This includes using native flora for low-maintenance landscaping, and drought-resistant plants to reduce water needs.

Adopting sustainable water management strategies such as rainwater harvesting and waste water management systems. This includes provision of pervious pavers, water retention ponds, swales and rain gardens that promote groundwater recharge.

in the case of the Warangal District Court, the Courtyard area outside the Judges’ lounge is landscaped with impervious material.

Adopting climate-responsive building design which involves using culturally relevant materials and local construction techniques responsive to the local climate and geography.

Ensuring the Court building has a distinct visual identity shaped by the local cultural context. This involves avoiding uniformity in building style and building floor plans across regions, and incorporating local materials and architectural elements in the building design.

the facade of the Delhi High Court extension has geometric patterns on some vertical stone panels similar to the older historic Court building, thereby associating with the monument's historic context.

Incorporating local art and iconography in the design of the building interiors.

the facade of the upper floors of the Krushi Bhawan in Odisha features a distinctive brick pattern using clay in three different colours, which is inspired by the Ikat patterns of Odisha handlooms.

Utilising locally sourced, durable, low maintenance construction and finishing materials;

Implementing recycling and waste reduction practices;

Using low-flow water fixtures to reduce water usage;

Designing windows with low heat transmittance materials for hot dry climates; and

Using low volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) materials for furnishings and finishes.

Incorporating passive design strategies that use vernacular design elements such as verandas, Courtyards, semi-open spaces, facades with shading devices, etc. This includes designing openings for natural light and ventilation; and incorporating greenery in buildings to enhance the internal environment.

in the National Judicial Academy at Bhopal, the pergola running along the periphery of the building and Courtyards shades large openings and regulates the micro-climate of the interiors.

Adopting green building practices for energy efficiency, low waste generation, conserving natural resources, reducing carbon footprint, and reducing construction and operating costs. This includes adopting the following measures to keep spaces environmentally friendly and reduce embodied carbon:

the Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, the new office building for the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), uses 70% less energy than a conventional building by adopting green building concepts.

Adopting renewable energy resources, including solar energy panels or hybrid solar and wind harnessing systems, and other non-fossil fuel sources of energy.

the Khunti District Court (Jharkhand) (2015) was India’s first solar-powered Court Complex which generates 180 KW of energy that is stored in batteries and used by the Court as well as other offices in the vicinity.

Implementing advanced building management systems that integrate technology and active systems. This includes use of smart building controls for optimising energy usage based on occupancy and usage patterns. For example, using occupancy sensors, dimmable energy efficient task lighting and individually controlled HVAC help to achieve an energy-conscious design.

Using concepts of adaptive re-use, retrofitting and renovation for existing Court buildings, and post-occupancy evaluation/audits for new buildings, to provide for a longer life cycle.

Implementing sustainable waste management practices for recycling of old records, disposal of sanitary/medical waste and garbage, and disposal/recycling of old or broken furniture and equipment.

Providing adequate numbers of common amenities and facilities such as waiting areas, washrooms, drinking water, food options, etc., on each floor of the Court building.

Ensuring that the common amenities are accessible and cater to the needs of diverse users such as children, elderly, mothers, and persons of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. This includes provision of a crèche, mother’s feeding room, family - friendly washrooms, multi - faith prayer rooms and other such facilities.

Ensuring that the common amenities are well-maintained, safe and comfortable. This includes the provision of dedicated, non-intimidating waiting areas for Vulnerable Witnesses or child victims. Provision of play equipment within the waiting areas for child victims/children accompanying litigants would help to make them feel at ease.

providing accessible well-maintained, safe and comfortable seating in all waiting areas for the use of diverse user groups.

Providing accessible well-lit entrances (site and building), segregated paths, and designated parking, for diverse user groups. This includes provision of facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, persons with prams, persons using white cane, wheelchair users, etc. Additionally, vehicular parking designated for Persons with Disability should be in proximity to the building entrance.

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entrances designed with external ramps of appropriate slope, tactile paving, and handrails of appropriate height make them accessible. The external ramps should be provided with adequate shelter to ensure that they remain usable in all weather conditions.

Providing accessible furniture, infrastructure, and assistive aids for the accessibility needs of all users in workspaces and Courtrooms. This includes providing infrastructure such as tinted glass, audio-video facility, secured lifts, etc., for the safety of Vulnerable Witnesses. Additionally, all users should be able to operate and use the spaces and facilities without difficulty.

the elevated dais in every Courtroom may be accessible by having a ramp of appropriate ratio, along with a handrail. Alternatively, as in the case of the new extension building of the Delhi High Court, the Courtroom could be designed without any level differences.

Providing accessible common amenities such as washrooms, sanitary provisions, canteens, crèche, waiting areas, e-Seva Kendras, ATMs, banks, etc. It includes provision of waiting areas with adequate seating options for wheelchair users, adequate tactile pavers in all corridors, liminal spaces and public spaces such as Courtyards with accessible movement space. This also involves adopting accessible heights, and assistive aids including tactile pavers, audio assistance, guard rails, beacon alarms, colour contrast, etc., that cater to diverse users' needs.

use of appropriate directional and warning tactile pavers with clear width for movement would make the corridors accessible as in the case of the corridors in the Meghalaya High Court.

Ensuring that the designated accessible infrastructure created for specific needs is not repurposed for other functions, irrespective of their frequency of use, to ensure continuous accessibility for individuals with diverse needs.

PART B - PRINCIPLES-BASED DESIGN FRAMEWORK

DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES

1px solid black

Need for a principle-based approach

In light of the needs identified when mapping each user’s journey, a new, more holistic approach to Court design is essential. This holistic approach should integrate core values as non-negotiable principles, ensuring that the Court Complex becomes genuinely user-centric as envisioned in the vision and goals of this Handbook.

Figure 12: Key to the Five Design Principles

This section defines

five non-negotiable principles

, laid down in this Report, to guide the design of Court Complexes, to cater to the needs highlighted by the mapping of all user journeys and to formulate design considerations. These design principles are user-centric value statements that describe the most important goals that a Court Complex should deliver. Each principle has a set of guidelines and examples to aid its implementation.

Figure 13: An illustrative representation of how to read the guidelines

2.1. Accessibility

Figure 14: An overview of the design guidelines for the Accessibility Principle

The manner in which buildings are designed affects all users’ ability to move, see, hear and communicate effectively. A universal building design reflects the diversity of people who use it and does not impose barriers of any kind. Such a design approach makes the building accessible and inclusive, enabling diverse user groups including the elderly, children, and persons with visual impairment and cognitive impairment to participate equally, confidently, and independently in the functions it supports.

As a public building, a Court building must be designed to be fair and non-discriminating to diverse user groups. It must be accessible to users of all genders, ages, ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic groups and those who may be Persons with Disabilities. An accessible Court Complex that adopts inclusive design principles enables people to use the spaces safely, with dignity, comfort, convenience and confidence. It also enhances the user experience and facilitates all users to be able to participate equally in judicial activities.

Figure 15: Universal Design India Principles: The Five Principles

Developed based on the information from Harmonised Guidelines 2021, p. 24, Table 2.4: Universal Design India Principles

Additionally, a Court Complex must be designed to be accessible, effective, and intuitive in its spatial arrangement and image. The design must adhere to the five universal design principles of India which aim to make the Court Complex equitable and usable, and culturally, economically and aesthetically accessible.

GUIDELINE 1:

Provide Include And Accessible Facilities And Infrastructure

This may be accomplished by:

GUIDELINE 2:

Provide Legible And Accessible Information And Wayfinding Systems

GUIDELINE 3:

Ensure Accessible And Culturally Relevant Design For Diverse Users

GUIDELINE 4:

Ensure Accessible Emergency Preparedness And Evacuation Systems

2.2. Adaptability

Figure 16: An overview of the design guidelines for the Adaptability Principle

Adaptability refers to the capacity or built-in ability of buildings to accommodate substantial changes. Changes may be expected in the internal configuration of spaces in the building, the external physical surroundings of the building, the financial outlay for designing and managing building infrastructure, and in the needs and expectations of the occupants. Typically building design is based on assumptions of future demands and performance; yet, in its life cycle, it undergoes many modifications. Buildings must be adaptable, both for day-to-day requirements and longer-term evolving demands of its context without substantial reconstruction and disruption of functions.

Designing for adaptability involves ensuring:

Court buildings and infrastructure are usually designed for a lifespan of about 20-30 years. The planning and the design of a Court Complex must identify future growth and expansion areas for changing needs which may include modifications due to management reorganisation, personnel shifts, changes in operational methods, or the advent of technology-driven changes such as virtual hearings, e-filing or end-to-end digital Courts. The Court building design needs to be flexible to accommodate frequent renovation, retrofitting and alteration easily and economically.

A robust infrastructure would ensure the accommodation of inevitable change without disrupting Court operations. With the advancement of technology and its integration into routine judicial processes, the physical environment should be geared towards adapting to future unforeseen uses. Additionally, the office/workspace infrastructure, interior systems, and furnishings must be adaptable in anticipation of such changes. Adaptability and flexibility in building and infrastructure design minimises risks, increases cost benefits and enhances the lifecycle of the building.

Anticipate and Plan for Future Growth of Court Functions

Provide a Scalable and Flexible Building Structure

Design Adaptable and Convertible Workspaces

Provide Flexible Infrastructure to Accommodate Changes

2.3. Comfort and Safety

Figure 17: An overview of the design guidelines for the Comfort and Safety Principle

A public building with a quality workspace design leads to a less stressful and more productive atmosphere. All facilities provided in the building must cater to diverse user groups to make them feel comfortable and secure. The concept of comfort relates to the creation of spaces of physical and mental well-being through design.

The judiciary, being a venue that addresses conflicts, should aim to provide an environment that is a safe space for all users. Creation of spaces for physical and mental well-being which consider ambient qualities including noise levels and temperature is essential. All people working in the Court Complexes, including the stakeholders who come to its doors to seek justice, must feel safe and comfortable in the physical space of the Court Complex and while experiencing the judicial processes.

A key challenge for Court design is to mitigate, or at least not exacerbate, the feelings of anxiety, fear or intimidation that many feel when thrust into the Court system. Due consideration must be given to issues around dignity, legibility and equity in the design to ensure a comfortable and safe environment.

Adopt Design Strategies to Mitigate Security Risks for All People and Property

Design the Internal Environment of Buildings for the Wellbeing of all Users

Provide Common Amenities Designed for the Comfort of all Users

Provide Infrastructure and Systems for Safety in Case of Emergencies

2.4. Efficiency

Figure 18: An overview of the design guidelines for the Efficiency Principle

Buildings designed with adequate infrastructure and optimum working conditions make it convenient for its users and increase their efficiency. The judiciary must aim for an optimal operation of its various functions and processes. Workspaces with circulation that are simple, clear, precise, and follow the flow of the activities are most efficient. Efficiency is best achieved by providing services and facilities in a safe and secure environment that is built around the users’ needs.

Well-designed infrastructure investments, coupled with a system for periodic audits and updates, will not only make the judicial work system efficient but also result in long-term economic benefits. Incorporating the principle of efficiency in design will enhance productivity and promote welfare of the Judicial Officers and staff working in the Court building.

Court Complexes that adopt futuristic designs and systems are smarter and more efficient. By adopting advanced technology, the Court can optimise its performance, enhance productivity and promote users’ welfare. In instances of retrofitting a space or re-using a building, ensuring a good fit between the spatial configuration and the proposed function will promote efficiency.

Plan and Design Spaces for Optimal Use

Provide Facilities that meet the Needs of all Users

Adopt Efficient Building Operations And Management Systems

2.5. Sustainability

Figure 19: An overview of the design guidelines for the Sustainability Principle

Sustainability concerns the environmental performance of building elements and strategies used in the planning and design of the building. Sustainable design is context-sensitive and resource-efficient. A resource-efficient and green building, which uses recycled and environmentally sustainable materials, sustains longer building life.

A Court building that is sustainable should be energy-conscious and affordable to resource use. Innovative design approaches that integrate use of low-energy minimal carbon impact materials with adaptable and contextual design, will provide value for money and efficiency of operation.

A Court Complex should be affordable to conduct daily business and maintenance and should have spaces and facilities designed for economic, social and environmental value. Such a Court Complex offers value for money and efficiency of operation. By adopting innovative sustainable design solutions the Court Complex can become economical to build and the operations and maintenance costs of utilities can be reduced to make it cost-effective in the long term. The energy consumption can be limited and carbon footprint can be reduced.

Optimise Site Potential and Adopt Sustainable Site Planning Practices

Practise a Context-Sensitive Approach to Building Design

Optimise Carbon Reduction, Reduce Environmental Impact and Increase the Building Life Cycle

For more examples of energy-efficient design in India, please refer to

Annexure 1

References

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