Curves of Light

Earlier this month, I photographed the Federal Courthouse in Springfield, Massachusetts, a landmark on State Street completed in 2008. Designed by Safdie Architects, the building stands out for its balance of openness and authority. It was the perfect day to photograph this light-filled building. The clear structural lines, combined with the generous use of glass, make it feel welcoming and transparent, even though it houses one of the more serious branches of government.

The design uses a simple palette of concrete and glass, helping the courthouse connect to the downtown area and sit comfortably within Springfield’s civic district. Its curved form, supported by slender columns, creates a strong identity while also symbolizing openness. This approach is part of the GSA’s “Security and Openness” program, where the necessary layers of security are carefully integrated without overwhelming the visitor’s sense of accessibility.

What struck me while photographing the courthouse was how different it feels compared to the Roderick J. Ireland Courthouse nearby. Designed by Argentine-born architect Eduardo Catalano, that building takes a much heavier, modernist approach—solid, formal, and more imposing. Safdie’s courthouse, by contrast, feels lighter and more open, a reminder that civic architecture can express justice not only through strength but also through transparency.