The class has gotten the opportunity to visit the Edward W.
Brooke Courthouse on two occasions: once on eviction day and once during a
regular weekday. To be able to experience the courthouse for the first time on
eviction day was informative and overwhelming.
We learned beforehand about how
the process of housing court works, but experiencing it in person gave us ample
opportunity to be critical about the process in relation to the building. We
were able to stop and look and discuss each step in the actual space of where
that process happens. By doing so, we could put ourselves in the shoes of the
tenants, landlords, and lawyers, and better understand how they navigate
through the building. As a result, we were able to pick apart this process and
how efficiently it uses the space of the courthouse.
One moment
that has opportunity for improvement is the wayfinding process of the court.
When we went through security, we entered upon a small rotunda full of
elevators, and beyond that was a set of stairs that led up to a big atrium. In
the atrium is a desk with monitors behind it that rotates the names of all the
cases going on that day. So if I had a case, I would have to wait and stand at
the desk until my name came across the board. Or, if I took the elevators, I
might notice a digital board where I can find my name and case. But, only two
of the five monitors work, and I would only notice their existence if I went
towards the elevator bank. This in itself can is a problem that if solved
correctly, can have a positive impact on the user experience of the courthouse.
The idea of going to court itself is very overwhelming to a person, so to be
able to easily and efficiently navigate where to go would improve his or her
experience. In addition, the creation or delineation of multiple scales of
spaces for privacy and interactions could be a great opportunity for
improvement. The environment of the atrium is open and very public, which can
have its benefits, but there is not a clear hierarchy of spaces within this
area that can be used efficiently by people. For example, if my case isn’t for
another couple hours and I wanted to get some work done, where could I sit? Or
if I am a tenant and was being advised by a lawyer for the day, where could we
have our private and sensitive conversation? The lack of diversity in spaces
for interactions creates pinch points that affect the efficiency of the space. As
we begin to work in conjunction with the law students, these issues we all noticed
in our visits will be a huge indicator of where we need to start.