Buffalo City Court Building, Brutalist courthouse in Buffalo, United States
The Buffalo City Court Building is a brutalist courthouse at 50 Delaware Avenue comprising ten stories constructed from large precast concrete panels. The structure features bold geometric forms with minimal window openings strategically placed to control views into the interior.
Architects Pfohl, Roberts and Biggie designed this courthouse in 1971 with construction completed in 1974. The project emerged during an era when brutalism was embraced as a modern solution for public buildings across American cities.
The building reflects the brutalist movement through its raw concrete surfaces and functional design, which defines how the space is used and perceived in the city. This architectural language was intended to create a serious and focused environment for the courts.
The courthouse is open to visitors on weekdays, with clearly marked entrances on Delaware Avenue. Plan for security screening upon entry and dress appropriately, as it remains an active judicial facility.
The limited window openings were intentionally restricted to shield judges from distractions and give the structure a fortress-like quality. This practical consideration reveals how brutalist design often embedded psychological thinking into its austere forms.
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