The 9/11 events led to many changes to enhance building safety and security—changes that have impacted architecture, engineering, and the use of sophisticated facility technology. One facility type that has seen significant changes in building standards over the past several years is the federal courthouse, as is the case with all new federal government structures. The changes actually began to be implemented after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, and continued to evolve after 9/11 and the subsequent Anthrax scare.

One of the most important and challenging changes has involved the set-back requirements that were imposed largely to reduce vehicle-borne threats. This has greatly impacted how courthouses are sited and accessed by the general public. A related issue has to do with parking—we no longer consider large subsurface public parking structures to be an option and access is now typically monitored to permit a limited number of judges and staff.

Courthouse facades are “hardened” and blast-resistant, and many also feature bullet-resistant glazing. Air intakes are located well above ground to minimize the risk of contamination. Inside the courthouse, rigorous screening takes place, requiring appropriately configured lobby space. Floor by floor, the buildings are designed with more access control, better surveillance, and advanced security technology. Mail sorting areas have been dramatically reworked to enhance security, with segregated blast zones to allow for the careful screening of packages.

All of these changes have required professionals to increase their knowledge and expertise, and to work more broadly with complex teams of specialists, including blast consultants and experts in security technology. We also must undergo rigorous security checks ourselves before we can begin these projects.

We have had an opportunity to work closely with GSA and many exceptional teaming partners on several courthouse projects, including the new federal facilities in Rockford, Illinois, and Jackson, Mississippi. We continue to become more informed and thoughtful about the design of these important buildings. As civic emblems at the heart of our society, courthouses must remain open and accessible to the public, yet safe and secure each day.