The courthouse is part of an urban development project designed to revitalize the southern outskirts of this Belgian city. In addition to the construction of the Palace of Justice, it includes the creation of the new Bolivarplatz square and park.
The main feature of the Rogers' building is its floors. They resemble sails in the city's harbor or the bell towers of Antwerp churches. The materials used are white painted steel and glass. "Sails" play a functional role: through them, fresh air is drawn into the natural ventilation system, and they also mark key parts of the building from the outside and draw attention to the building. In the center of the complex there is a main hall with flat - without superstructures - glass floors, intended for holding social events. Six wings fan out around it, where there are eight separate courts (criminal, juvenile, industrial tribunal, etc.): a total of 36 courtrooms. To emphasize the openness of the building to the public, the complex also has a cafe, a library, and rooms for various meetings.
Overall, the idea of transparency and openness is central to Rogers' project. That is why the walls of the building are almost entirely glass. Despite its impressive size, the building cannot be called tall, it does not overwhelm the visitor, despite the fact that the largest "sails" of the roof still reach a height of 51 m. the needs and aspirations of the country's judicial system.
