Denton Corker Marshall’s design for the Manchester Civil Justice Centre was chosen by the client – Her Majesty’s Court Service – as the international competition-winning design for the Ministry of Justice in the North West of England. The building is the largest court complex to be built in the UK since the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand. The courts are expressed as long rectilinear forms, articulated at each floor level, and projecting at each end of the building as a varied composition of solid and void. In side elevation, these elements collectively establish a dynamic and distinctive building profile; in end elevation, they form a powerful sculptural interplay of light and shade, depth and complexity. The architectural implication is that the courts are not forbidding or concealed, but open and accessible. The building houses 47 courtrooms, 75 consultation rooms, in addition to office and support space over 15 levels. Sustainability has been a major consideration from initial concept with natural ventilation to all areas. The use of local and sustainable materials and suppliers was targeted during construction, helping to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’. The Manchester Civil Justice Centre has won 25 awards to date.