# Contemporary Government Courthouses Mecanoo Just Completed Cordoba's Palace of Justice By Joey Haar | Published 2018-01-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/palace-of-justice References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/01/26/mecanoo-palace-justice-law-courts-spain-cordoba-ayesa-courtyards/) Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo recently completed the Spanish city of Cordoba's Palace of Justice, and the design makes reference to local history. Cordoba has a rich history, having been the capital of the Roman province of Baetica, a capital in the Umayyad empire, and eventually a key city through the Spanish middle ages. The Palace of Justice recognizes that history, with a design that hints at the design tendencies of those various ancient and medieval dominions. The building has a puzzle-like structure according to Mecannoo, which is reflective of the dense cultural mosaic that pervades the city. Its facade features a series of tiles with an abstract design stamped into them, almost like a map of an ancient, foreign city. The building also comprises several enclaves that make it more dynamic and mysterious. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Historical Influence in Architecture:** An emerging trend in architecture is incorporating historical influences to create designs that pay homage to a region's cultural heritage. - **Abstract Facade Designs:** Architecture is embracing abstract facade designs, using patterns and motifs that evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. - **Dynamic and Mysterious Structures:** There is a growing interest in creating buildings with multiple enclaves and hidden spaces, adding an element of dynamism and intrigue to the overall design. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects and design firms can explore how to incorporate historical influences in their projects, creating unique and culturally significant structures. - **Construction:** The construction industry can adapt to the trend of abstract facade designs, finding innovative methods to bring these intricate designs to life. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** The tourism and hospitality industry can capitalize on the popularity of dynamic and mysterious structures, offering unique and immersive experiences to visitors and guests. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [High-Quality Criminal Justice Complex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wayne-county-criminal-justice-center.md) - [Traditional Contemporary Designed Courts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ajman-rulers-court.md) - [Blocky Courtyard Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-courtyards.md) - [Terracotta Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iztapalapa-pilares-community-center.md) - [Sophisticated Government Office Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-government-office.md) - [Juxtaposing Angular Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brixen-public-library.md) - [Gridded Urban Apartment Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-carboneria.md) - [Grey-Brick Police Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bovenbouw-architectuur-1.md) - [Jagget Metal Museum Entrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baroque-museum-of-catalonia.md)