English
Court
Daman [Damão/Damaun], Guzerate, India
Equipment and Infrastructures
he Daman Court is situated within the walled city next to the Sea Gate, in a building which previously served as customs house, probably built or rebuilt in 1801, the date that was indicated by the entrance. It most likely was subject to some changes when it switched functions in the mid-19th century. Installed at the back of the block, the building has two floors and a rectangular form in which the staircase stands out. The ground floor has an arcade which originally must have been open, divided by the volume of the stairs. On the second floor is a veranda which functions as a reception space and distribution gallery, organising the various judiciary departments. The court chamber is aligned with the staircase and indicated by a door with a different design from the others. On the right is the magistrates’ room, while on the left are administrative support and other departments. Most of the internal spaces communicate with each other, without corridors. The building was originally symmetrical with respect to the stairs, but was extended on the north side after 1961. The addition is easy to discern, as there is an obvious break in the arcade’s rhythm as well as a difference in the level of columns on the second floor. The identity as a building pertaining to the state is strengthened by the monumental staircase and respective arrival route, as well as by the simple but rigorous design of the main façade.