This thesis delves into the intricacies of designing a courthouse in Berlin, aiming to address current and future challenges within the German legal system, as well as reimagining traditional courthouse design.
In Germany, public trust in institutional organizations and the government has witnessed a considerable decline. According to a DW survey, 25% express concern about the actions of politicians and the government. The introduction of the Hartz IV law, involving cutbacks in unemployment benefits, exemplifies one of the reasons for this mistrust. Germany’s highest court recognized the insufficiency of welfare benefits (Arbeitslosengeld II), particularly for families with children. Similar governmental scandals, such as the ‘allowance affair’ in the Netherlands, have fueled citizen distrust in government and legal systems.
One contributing factor to this erosion of trust is the inaccessibility of judicial help and the legal system. Legal representation by attorneys is prohibitively expensive, averaging around 250 euros per hour ([Source](faire-integration.de)). Additionally, the current legal systems face immense pressure due to a shortage of judges and judicial staff, resulting in an alarming backlog of cases. Germany, for eight consecutive years, holds the unfortunate record of the highest number of pending cases, with 400,000 cases yet to be opened ([EEUA, European, EASO Data](source)). This backlog is a direct consequence of the understaffed judicial system.
To alleviate the strain on the existing legal system and to enhance its accessibility, affordability, and comprehensibility, a shift towards mediation emerges as a potential solution. Mediation offers significant advantages, such as being more cost-effective. According to R. Lalanne, a typical case negotiated using a mediator may cost around $6,000.00, in stark contrast to the potential cost of over $35,000.00 for litigation, assuming both mediator and attorneys bill at $250.00 per hour.
Mediation is not only cost-effective but also holds the promise of being swift, efficient, and operates in a voluntary and cooperative manner. Thus, the proposal pivots from designing a traditional courthouse to conceptualizing a ‘House of Mediation.’ By prioritizing mediation over adversarial trial settings, this innovative approach aims to make the legal process more accessible to the public.

This research investigates whether urban areas can remain livable when permanently flooded, using the case study of Artex Compound in Malabon, Philippines. The study addresses several sub-questions, including the impact of permanent flooding on the existing urban structure, the relationship between water, greenery, and buildings, and the effect on people's lives. The findings provide insights into how to cope with permanent flooding and maintain the sustainability of urban areas.

Global warming and climate change have led to an increase in the frequency and severity of floods worldwide, with coastal cities and low-lying areas particularly vulnerable. By 2050, the number of people living in cities at risk of coastal flooding and sea-level rise could reach 150 million worldwide. Therefore, learning how to live in permanently flooded cities is essential for maintaining urban areas that would otherwise be uninhabitable.

The study uses a two-way approach combining quantitative and qualitative research to examine the Artex Compound. Quantitative analysis involves examining Google Earth historical maps to identify changes in the physical structure of the area, while qualitative analysis involves gathering information from documentaries and local newspapers to gain insight into the daily lives of residents. The study analyzes changes in typologies such as structures, water, and greenery to explore their correlations and relationships, and uses interviews to understand the residents experiences and perceptions of living in a permanently flooded area.

The results of the historical map study show that flooded urban areas are highly vulnerable to weather events, with significant impacts on greenery and water levels. The positive impact of greenery on the resilience of urban structures highlights the importance of incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning strategies. However, residents of permanently flooded areas face significant challenges, including limited job opportunities and access to clean water. Despite these challenges, many residents choose to stay because it is the only place they can afford to live.

Overall, the study highlights the complex challenges and opportunities of permanent flood cities, and underscores the importance of incorporating resilience and sustainability considerations into urban planning and policymaking. While further research is needed to develop a more nuanced understanding of the livability of permanent flood cities, this study provides a valuable starting point for future investigations.