Retained by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, rfa's mandate was to study several alternative sites for the construction of a new courthouse to serve Suffolk County.  After rfaanalyzed and developed design studies for three different locations, the New Charden Street site was selected.  This site is located at the focal point of the Hurley Building, which was designed by the well-known architect, Paul Rudolph.  rfa's design of the proposed courthouse structure takes its cues from Rudolph's curvilinear components and base plan.  The building's curved volumes contrast with rectangular blocks of offices.  These volumes intersect each other creating a dynamic inter play of forms and surfaces.