Commissioned to design the ceiling for the Special Proceedings Courtroom of the new Sandra Day O’Connor Federal Courthouse in Phoenix, JCDA proposed the Lens Ceiling as not only a public artwork, but also a part of the architecture. Designed by Richard Meier and Partners, the courthouse is almost entirely built of glass. The piece sought to enhance the theatrical nature of the space while acting as a multi-functional building component, an acoustic barrier, a daylight and artificial lighting system and a functional support for the fire and life safety system.

The spherical area of glass is diffused, creating a luminous sculptural element that captures the sky and the shifting shadows of the building’s structure without distracting attention from the proceedings in the courtroom. The various laminated glass panels, provides a thermal, acoustic, and dust barrier for the courtroom space.