Cleveland Division of Police Headquarters

Design a welcoming headquarters without diminishing the safety and security of the police force within. This was the challenge when the City of Cleveland first considered creating a new police headquarters. With staff split between existing building option, the design team heard a clear note from the community that the building should reflect neither the image, nor the lack of function of their old buildings. With this directive, the design team has created a timeless design based upon meaning found within the community and function found within the Division of Police. The public is welcomed by a front porch with extensive glazing on the first level. The porch is backed by community spaces that function as meeting rooms, neighborhood galleries, informational displays, and access to public records. Equal attention to a sense of welcome has been provided to staff working within the building with a smaller scale porch and glazing into employee amenity and training spaces. The branding for the new headquarters is found in a bold blue exterior facade supported by the Division of Police mission statement in script across the top of the community porch. Architectural form and pattern also provide an artistic response to the security of the staff within. Where internal building function requires security, the building face engages with the public through a shadow casting transformative facade.