The Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and Courthouse is comprised of a 1915 structure and a new, eight-story annex. The architecture and lighting share an approach that celebrates Classical architectural traditions but updates them to meet today’s design requirements.

In the historic entry, the original lighting fixtures were refurbished and relit with LED technology.  A grand, skylit stair hall serves as a link between old and new. Accent lights highlight the architectural forms and provide illumination on the stairs and floor.

The courtrooms are distinguished by their lighting solutions, yet the quality of light is consistent. Uplight chandeliers provide a soft ambient glow in one type of courtroom, while a second variation uses an artificial laylight that recalls the skylit courtrooms in the original building. Despite a low plenum depth and structural obstructions, we were able to achieve perfectly even lighting.  Both courtroom types use downlights to provide supplemental illumination.

Skillful lighting design revives an historic classic.