Author of case study: Marcela Torres Molano

Geopolitical location of space:
9 Bristol Street (Corner Bristol and Stanley Street)
Levin, New Zealand

Extant? Yes

Architects:
Tse Architects

Timeframe of RJ/TJ process in this space:

Start date: 2009
End date: ongoing

Background information:

The site is used both for restorative and traditional justice hearings. The spaces are used by the Manawatū Restorative Justice Trust and its different stages. Before any conference the Facilitators will first meet with the victims and their support people to gather information and assess whether a conference is appropriate. They will then meet with the offenders and their support people to ensure the offenders accept responsibility for their actions, and want to try and repair the damage that has been caused.

Is restorative  justice actually taking place in this space?

Yes, this court is part of the spaces used by Manawatū Restorative Justice Trust.

Is this space designed/arranged for safe listening?

Yes, the space includes traditional courtrooms, secure witness rooms and hearing and mediation rooms. A clear visual connection to the public was created to establish a closer relation of justice with the broader community.

How or to what extent is this space public?

The court is a public building and property of the Ministry of Justice of New Zealand.

Physical/factual description of space:

Floor area: 1824 m2
Perimeter measures of lot: 50 m X 19 m (Google Earth approximation)
Completion: 2009
Client: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

It is a contemporary architecture building of two levels. It is a well-proportioned structure that serves its function while integrating coherently with its surrounding environment. “An excellent balance was achieved between functionality and security on this complex.”The north facade uses glazing along the east and west section of the main entry to provide a strong visual connection from the interior to the surrounding streetscape. For the architects, the visual connection encourages participation by regular users and the wider society, and seeks to raise the level of awareness and understanding in the community.

The courthouse was designed to meet the needs of the community. The building includes two new courtrooms, judicial and administration facilities, large waiting and jury assembly areas, secure witness rooms, and hearing and mediation rooms. The design has a contemporary look and uses “motivating accent colours.”

“The courthouse shows a good use of materials and colours throughout, with natural light allowed to enter solemn courtrooms through well-placed skylights.” Environmental sustainability was achieved for this project. The building meets current quake standards, but in 2019, an engineering firm found the upper level was at risk of collapse with an earthquake. The structure was closed for over 14 months.  The courthouse  has advanced security systems and will be capable of supporting the latest technology, including video conferencing and evidence recording services.

Analytical description of space:

Levin is a town with a population of 18,800 (June 2020). It is a service centre for the surrounding rural area. The design of the courtrooms seem to follow a traditional spatial arrangement, where judges are seated in front of the room and participants sit in the following rows.

“Although restorative justice processes can operate in a variety of ways at different stages in the criminal justice system, pre-sentencing conferencing of referrals from the District Court and the Police Adult Diversion Scheme are the most common restorative justice processes in New Zealand. The majority of District Courts now have access to restorative justice services.”

The Manawatū Restorative Justice Trust follows the methodology of restorative justice conferencing. In this process, the person harmed by an offence (victim) and the person responsible for the harm (offender) agree to meet in a safe environment with two trained facilitators. They discuss the action its effects on the people involved. The offender accepts responsibility and the group identifies ways to to repair the harm.