WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Forsyth County’s new Courthouse Administrative Building in downtown Winston‑Salem represents a decisive shift in how civic architecture can serve its community. Designed by CJMW Architecture in collaboration with The S/L/A/M Collaborative and O’Brien Atkins Associates, the 250,679‑square‑foot facility replaces the county’s 1975 Hall of Justice—a building whose shortcomings became increasingly visible as the region grew. The new courthouse doesn’t simply update the old model; it rethinks the architectural language of justice, transparency and public service.
The design team began with a challenge: an earlier study called for two separate buildings to house Forsyth County’s judicial and administrative functions. CJMW and SLAM saw an opportunity instead. By consolidating the program into a single structure, they could streamline operations, reduce long‑term costs, and create a more coherent civic presence. That decision became the project’s architectural anchor, shaping everything from circulation patterns to façade expression.
Inside, the courthouse is organized around clarity and daylight. A broad public lobby opens the building with a sense of welcome rather than intimidation—a deliberate departure from the dim, compressed entry sequence of the former Hall of Justice. Natural light filters deep into the interior, aided by a clean material palette and intuitive wayfinding that guides visitors through customer service areas, the clerk of court, and early‑stage courtrooms on the lower floors. The design team prioritized legibility: public paths are direct, secure paths are discreet, and staff circulation is efficient without feeling isolated.
Courtrooms—16 at opening, with capacity for more—are arranged vertically to reflect the progression of judicial functions. Large district courts occupy the first two floors, superior courts rise above them, and judicial chambers crown the building on the fifth floor. This stacking strategy not only organizes the building logically but also reinforces the architectural hierarchy of spaces, giving each level a distinct identity while maintaining overall cohesion.
Security, historically a pain point for Forsyth County, is embedded architecturally rather than imposed mechanically. A secure inmate tunnel now connects the jail to a lower‑level staging area, eliminating the unsafe practice of moving in‑custody individuals through public corridors. Controlled vertical circulation ensures that judges, staff, and the public each have dedicated pathways, reducing cross‑traffic and improving safety without compromising openness.
Flexibility is another core design principle. The fourth floor, largely composed of office space, is intentionally planned for future expansion—including a bridge connection to the existing Forsyth County Government Center. This move positions the courthouse as part of a larger civic campus strategy, allowing the county to adapt as population and caseloads grow.
Material choices reinforce the building’s civic character. Durable finishes, restrained detailing, and a balanced interplay of transparency and solidity give the courthouse a contemporary presence without overshadowing its institutional role. The architecture aims to convey dignity and accessibility simultaneously—a difficult balance that CJMW and SLAM pursued through proportion, light, and spatial rhythm.
For Forsyth County, the new courthouse is more than a replacement; it’s a recalibration of how architecture can support justice. By merging functionality with thoughtful design, the building offers a modern, secure, and welcoming environment that reflects the community it serves—and sets a new standard for civic architecture in the region.
