The Mecanoo + Royal Haskoning design team was recently announced as the winner for the realization of the new Eurojust headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. This design concept illustrates a strong connection with Eurojust’s neighbouring organisations, the OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) and Europol. The atmosphere of soft slopes and grassy vegetation is designed to sit within the lush surroundings of The Hague’s ‘Green Heart’. More images and architects’ description after the break.
Judged based on architectural quality, urban integration and landscape , functionality and programme of requirements, maintenance and sustainability, and integrated design process, this design is most in keeping with the above aspects in relation to the new location of Eurojust. The Eurojust building feels elegant, modern and spacious, while respecting the contextual urban history of the area. The building is in alignment with the orientations of the original buildings on this side of Johan de Wittlaan which simultaneously creates a landscaped public square.
The square is inviting and offers views onto the main entrance of Eurojust. The tower is focused on this entrance area, the World Forum area and The Hague. The low-rise stays close to the scale of the neighboring villas and apartment buildings. The careful integration of the building into the site is made possible by placing two levels underground where the conference facility is located. The adjacent sloping garden brings daylight into the basement levels and strengthens the identity of the green district. The landscape design incorporates the highest standards for Eurojust in a natural way by including dunes and water features.
The building architecture represents the core values of Eurojust. The light façade is composed of an alternating rhythm of open and closed composite elements which give the building a modern but timeless appearance. Glass panels alternate tilting forwards or backwards and turned left or right so that the sky as well as the surrounding dune landscape is reflected in the glass and depth is created in the façade. Inside the building, visitors are welcomed in a spacious, double height lobby with views out onto the dune garden. The foyer space has several zones which range from open and public to more private. A wide staircase with views out onto the surrounding landscape and descends to the lower floors. The water of the pond in the dune landscape is reflected in the ceiling of the lobby.
