The Court Chamber
The Constitutional Court in session. Guto Bussab
The chamber in which the values of our society are debated sits confidently at the heart of the most public space
Janina Masojada, Andrew Makin and Paul Wygers
architects
The doors
A photograph of a gold and red Kente cloth spoke to us immediately. The design would easily translate into copper or brass to make a flush, modern door that would reflect light – the light of the law, the light representing the highest court in the land.
We needed to create over 3 000 pieces to make up the doors … We had no option but to etch each metal piece. As we made the plates we wanted to find a way of working that would bring us close to the material … The entire door was made using this method of ‘listening’ to the material so that we had a more direct relationship with it, and in doing so we found an organic, heartfelt and earthy way of making.
Andrew Lindsay
designer
The doors were designed by Andrew Lindsay, Myra Fassler Kamstra, Verna Jooste, Mark Zammit, Larry De Klerk, Andrew Ramaboya and Sam Thoka.
‘Justice under a tree’ plaque
The Court’s logo, a tree sheltering people sitting beneath it, is a representation of the traditional African concept of justice under a tree. It signified the protection of people’s rights in the new South Africa. Constitutional Court Library
Upon entering the Court chamber the plaque with the Court’s logo of justice under a tree is visible immediately. It had originally been unveiled by President Nelson Mandela in the Court’s temporary accommodations in the office park in Braamfontein on 14 February 1995.
Air cooling system
Visitors to the Court chamber often remark on the refreshing, cool breeze coming from the passive air-cooling system that passes through the Court. The Court uses the cool night air passing over the ponds outside the Court which then gets trapped in the vents and is pumped into the Court building during the day. This innovative, natural system is an energy saver and also creates a humane environment that is further enhanced by the natural light.
Red bricks
When the judges sit in the courtroom, they are surrounded by the red bricks from the parts of the Awaiting Trial Block of the historical Old Fort prison complex which was demolished to make way for the Court. The red bricks are a symbolic – but also a practical reminder – of how history continues to define the present. It is part of the Constitutional Court’s job to confront unjust laws and practices that still persist today and improve the conditions that have been created by apartheid.
Ribbon of light
The ribbon of light window, which sits behind the judges in the photo, is at ground level inside the Court chamber. The idea behind this design feature was to keep judges and legal counsel down to earth and connected to real life outside the Court.
The carpet
The carpet design by Andrew Verster originated from a photograph of sunlight through trees casting shadows on the ground. It reinforces the connection to the vast space outside, to light and to time.
Cattle hide on the judge's bench
Initially the judges’ bench was made out of glass – again in an attempt to emphasise the value of transparency. The judges did not like the idea of the public being able to see their legs however.
The glass was replaced with panels of Nguni cattle hides which give the Court chamber a far more African aesthetic. The panels are sleek, glowing and textured, referencing traditional royal courts and the draped animal skins adorning kings, chiefs and elders. Each hide has a unique pattern to symbolise the individuality and independence of each judge and also to symbolise the diversity of the broader South African citizenry.
Since cows have a special meaning in the Hindu society, the Court sought permission to use the hides in this manner. Ashwin Trikamjee, Spiritual Head of the Hindu Community, granted this permission.
The flag
Public buildings are required to fly the South African flag. The Court originally had two limp flags on either side of the bench in the court chamber. The judges felt, however, that these flags failed to reflect the vibrancy of the Constitution. Instead, they commissioned a hand- beaded the flag to be created by a community artwork project in collaboration with a group of women. The final product was a proud flag which bears the women’s names and that looks like it is blowing in the wind – far more reflective of the kind of democracy South Africa aspires to and far more inclusive in its production.
