Joseph P. Kinneary U.S. Courthouse Courtroom Renovation

The Columbus Courtroom was intended to incorporate state-of-the-art technology, including a giant wall-mounted LED screen, computer monitors on the benches and in the jury box, and a host of security cameras and other devices. IDEA developed a design scheme that was firmly based in the Art Deco visual character of the Kinneary Courthouse while concealing the technology as much as was feasible. Computer monitors were integrated into the millwork via monitor wells or screen walls which helped to conceal all but the tops of these pieces of equipment. The technology was visible if sought, but it didn’t make a strong impression and took a discreet second seat to the architecture of the room.

Challenges

Our challenge was to conceal or gracefully integrate a long list of equipment such as cameras, computer monitors, large flat screens, and security devices without compromising the period look of the room. As an example, a giant wall mounted LED screen was hidden behind a pair of large millwork cabinet doors on concealed hinges detailed to match the wall, and weighted so that the doors laid back against the wall with gravity when open without requiring visible hardware.