Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1385297
J U N E 2 0 2 1 | 63 Abbotsford Law Courts natural light. The latter, along with views to the outdoors and other ele- ments, have a calming effect on people, which was crucial in our case because people visiting courthouses tend to be nervous." To that end, WZMH sought to limit the length of corridors and use daylight as a wayfinding tool, and Casciato points out that his work was aided by the fact that several years prior to being involved in the Abbotsford project, "WZMH developed the updated standards for new-build courthouses in B.C., so our design was informed by that." To improve sustainability and help meet LEED Silver standards, WZMH oriented the building's longest facade to the south and incorporated pas- sive cooling strategies such as external shading devices and fritted glass. Since the siting of the building would create a ceremonial courthouse plaza for the Civic Precinct, Casciato designed a dramatic two-storey lobby with a monumental feature stair and wood screening, to convey the grav- ity of the courthouse's activities. The transparency of the main entrance and lobby made it distinguishable both as an important destination and an inviting space (the latter enhanced by etched glazing on the second floor of the lobby that is an abstract aerial representation of the Fraser Valley). The use of white as the facility's main colour served several purposes. "As was the case with our extensive use of wood, white contributes to a calm- ing effect," says Casciato. "Also, its application for the exterior in the form of metal panels – in addition to fritted glass and other glazing – enabled the P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E SY M I N I S T RY O F C I T IZEN S' S ERV I C E S Wallworks.indd 1 2021-06-07 8:24 AM R e s i d e n t i a l • C o m m e R C i a l • i n d u s t R i a l 19855 - 98th Avenue, Langley, B.C. V1M 2X5 Phone 604-626-4900 • info@thepowergrp.com • www.thepowergrp.com Subcontractors supplying steel stud, insulation, drywall and acoustical ceilings. One of the leading full service drywall contracting firms in British Columbia. Power Drywall is proud to have been a part of this iconic high profile Project, alongside PCL Constructors and the entire project Team. This project promoted innovative Team collaboration. Turning space into opportunity. FM37847.indd 1 5/11/21 2:22