Charleroi Courthouse, Courthouse in Charleroi, Belgium
The Charleroi Palace of Justice is a courthouse with concrete framework and glass facades, marked by a distinctive canopy at the main entrance. Inside it houses multiple courtrooms and offices that handle legal cases, with security procedures similar to airport screening.
Architect Jacques Depelsenaire designed the structure, which was built between 1959 and 1963 on the site of former military training grounds. This post-war construction reflects how the city was being reimagined and modernized after years of rebuilding.
Inside you will find several artworks, including 'Justice Pursuing Evil' by André Hupet and monumental sculptures scattered through the inner courtyard. These pieces shape how visitors and staff experience the space as they move through it.
The building follows a U-shaped design, so visitors should allow time for security screening at the entrance similar to airport procedures. It's best to arrive with extra time and pay attention to marked public areas within the structure.
The design reflects post-war modernism in a way that required approval from the architect's estate for any modifications, even after his death. This made the building an unusual case of architectural oversight that extended across generations.
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