"Location plays a major role in the design of a building, controlling most of the decisions from selecting materials to choosing color schemes," Pfeiffer said. In this case, Arizona sandstone was chosen for its connection with the locality, as well as its earth-toned desert color. The unique setting was one of the first aspects taken into consideration when HHPA began work on the federal courthouse.
"It is hot for most of the year," Pfeiffer said. "So, there was a desire to be responsive to the climatic elements. As a result, the parts of the building where the judges and staff sit are oriented toward the north and east, which take less sun and have spectacular views of the mountains. The public side and the circulation corridor, which links the doors of all of the courtrooms, face the harsher side of the building, however, it is a place where people rarely sit for very long. They're always in motion, so there is less concern for solar issues."