THE COURTHOUSE
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Classical Roman-style courthouse offering an effective thermal comfort solution in tropical regions.
The Abidjan Palace of Justice was built in 1947 by Daniel Badani, who died in 2006. This French architect was very active in French West Africa from 1950 to 1958, particularly in Senegal and Ivory Coast. It is to him that we owe the first urban plan of Abidjan, commissioned by Houphouët-Boigny in 1952 when the city had only 45,000 inhabitants. In the work he carried out in Africa, particularly the Palais de Justice in Abidjan, the influence of Le Corbusier is clearly visible. However, his achievements are distinguished by a willingness to adapt these architectural principles to local climatic conditions.
The building itself is presented as an interpretation of a classical Roman structure, with massive square columns supporting a roof composed of shallow slopes. This relatively austere style is offset by the bold addition of modern elements. The outer envelope of the building is thus made up of concrete claustras acting as sunbreakers and favouring natural ventilation, adapted to the hot tropical climate. In the era of sustainable architecture, the Courthouse offers a very simple, yet exemplary and effective solution for thermal comfort in tropical regions. Located in the heart of the Plateau, the building is still today the official judicial center of Abidjan and symbolizes the legal power of the country. Despite some very unfortunate additions, its solemn and intimidating character remains.
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