Client: Dallas County

Overview

The Dallas County South Government Center (DCSGC) is a new ground-up 73,000 SF two-story structure that seeks to highlight South Dallas’ rich history and culture of predominantly African American residents. The project transcends functional buildings to reflecting upon law enforcement and justice systems of the past while embracing mechanisms to bring forth transparency and transformation for today.

The architecture, art integration, and design embrace a theme of restorative justice and celebrate the trials and triumphs of this unique community. Artwork is incorporated throughout, with the main theme culminating in the two-story 7’ x 20’ mosaic mural in the main lobby. Entitled “Justice For All” by artist Reginald C. Adams, the mural depicts a man and woman holding the scales of justice, wearing blindfolds to represent the impartiality of the judicial system. A series of concentric circles represents our overlapping connections through culture, socio-economic, gender or ethnic backgrounds. A gear symbolizes each person’s work as part of the whole for the forward movement of society at large. The female figure holds a key in her hand, symbolic of the act of forgiveness. On the male figure’s head is the keyhole, symbolic of the act of unlocking the mind and forgiveness of oneself.

Goals

The vision of this project was to reflect the community’s rich cultural heritage through portraiture, historic photos, mosaic, and artifacts. Designers integrated artwork throughout the facility to provide meaningful and enriching access to the arts in a public space for a community group not typically exposed to the arts on a regular basis.

The waiting area outside the Justice of the Peace Courts (the busiest in the State of Texas) features a rotating display of photographs depicting the lives and challenges of local African American residents. In partnership with the Dallas Public Library, these previously inaccessible photos provide history and inspiration. Off the main rotunda, tribal masks located reflect African heritage.

A second-floor gallery features portraits created by local minority artists of 14 prominent Dallas County judges and constables, celebrating the legacy of early justice pioneers who served this community. In the lobby, the mosaic mural highlights photographs of these social justice leaders, encircling an image of a gavel. The mural also speaks to the strength of community: the two figures are rooted to the ground like massive trees, representing growth, renewal and community roots. Below, figures representing the diverse community uphold Justice for All.

Process

This project was an extremely collaborative process, even amidst the global pandemic. The architect worked closely with the art consultant, clarifying and understanding the deep history of the community. We also worked directly with each of the artist as well as family members to gather photos for commissioned portraits. For the “Justice for All” mosaic mural, artist Reginald C. Adams collaborated with a team of artists – many of them immigrants – to create his piece. Additionally, community engagement ensured that voices of the community were heard and the community was represented well throughout the artwork plan.