The Dundee Sheriff Court refurbishment and extension project was executed by a Design Team lead by Nicoll Russell Studios between 1993 and 1996. The existing building is an 1863 Grade A Listed Structure, and the comprehensive redevelopment proposals provided 3No Jury Courts, 1No Civil Court and No Appeal Court, together with Jury Rooms, Sheriff's Chambers, Prosecution and Defence/Witness facilities and Administration accommodation for criminal and civil business.

The project was seen by Nicoll Russell Studios as an opportunity to employ their full range of architectural design expertise to develop an appropriate civic design and space planning solution, which would be easily understood and functionally efficient, while successfully satisfying the demands of the Scottish Court Service, a wide range of user groups, and public.

A clearly defined hierarchy of functions defined the arrangement of the primary spaces, and a classical order which respected the host building, was introduced.

Two modern extensions were developed to reinforce the existing balanced, classical composition and a harmonious materials vocabulary employed to ensure that the form of the contemporary accommodation complimented the existing structure.

Great care was taken to preserve much of the existing buildings classical detail and "best practice" details were introduced to ensure that the refurbishment structure and fabric would withstand the effects of "time".

The contemporary interior proposals which respected the classical character of the existing building by retaining period details whenever possible and introducing modern form materials in a manner which referred to classical precedence was developed. This approach ensured that the completed work was of its time and conveyed a positive and user friendly image for the visitor in general, and Scottish Legal System in particular.

The Dundee Sheriff Court project captured the ideas and spirit of the Studios design philosophy by design a sensitive design solution, the organisation of which responds directly to the requirements of the user while illustrating a high degree of opportune creativity moderated only by available finance.

"The Building was such that the design solution required a very high degree of sensitivity in the treatment of the fabric of the historic building. Nicoll Russell Studios provided a design solution which responded outstandingly well to the requirements of the brief and to the needs of the continuing operational business.

In addition to their space planning expertise, the architect used a wide range of traditional materials, terrazzo, stained glass and fibrous plaster to create a skilfully integrated range of contemporary detailing which, while complementing the historical fabric of the building, expressed the highest ideals of contemporary design.

The project started in 1994 and was completed in September 1996. Throughout, Scottish Court Service recognised the highest levels of professional commitment and expertise evinced by Nicoll Russell's team. Their efforts have resulted in the Scottish Court Service acquiring a building of which it can be proud and which will satisfy the demands of the Scottish judicial system well into the next century".

Alistair Duncan, Head of Capital Projects, Scottish Court Service