The design for the 300,000-sf, $87-million Queens County Family Court and City Agency Facility directly responded to the inherent sensitivities of family court proceedings. Through careful planning and the integration of key elements such as a skylit atrium, public corridors, and visitor waiting areas, the design team provided an amiable, sunlit setting for families in stressful circumstances. The new facility houses 16 family courtrooms and judges' chambers, seven hearing examiner rooms, support spaces, and other family court- related agencies. The adjoining wing consolidates multiple city family agencies, including probation and victim services. As Architect of Record, Gruzen Samton • IBI Group's judicial design consultation and court programming services significantly affected the design of the courts. We were responsible for overall project management, coordination among team members, and interior design (FF&E) services, as well as construction documentation and construction administration.
