Palace of Justice, The Hague (NL)
Working with what's available.
The Palace of Justice in The Hague faces an enormous challenge: a complete renovation and partial extension, while remaining operational during construction. The Central Government Real Estate Agency (RVB) has boldly opted for a circular approach, preserving the entire 78,000 m2 complex, including the modernist buildings (architect Frank Sevenhuysen) from the 1970s (P1 low and P1 high) and the nineties high-rise (P2) by architect Niek van Vugt.
Our proposal for the new Palace of Justice raises the bar. It sets a new standard for circular design by maximally reusing not only the natural stone of the facades, but also the existing glass. We're prioritizing the use of these readily available materials and are embracing sustainability in a new way. We call this approach 'the new way of building'.
In addition to this innovative circular approach, the design focuses on the well-being of users. Within the palace and offices, we give priority to design interventions that strengthen connections with the outside, leaving more space for light and greenery.
A spacious garden, directly accessible from the restaurant, enriches the roof of the lower P1 volume. In the garden, we design a smart architectural element: a traditional gallery in a contemporary form. The gallery acts as an efficient connection between all parts of the building, allowing the magistrates to reach the courtrooms quickly and safely. By making this specific route, a disconnect between magistrates and the public is possible, which improves safety and peace of mind. Because the magistrates are efficiently led to the halls, it is possible to allow the public's waiting areas to reach the facade, where large city windows can be made.
The magistrates' route is not only efficient, it is above all very pleasant. The tour creates a sheltered connection and a sheltered courtyard. It also allows users to enjoy natural light and fresh air prior to their arrival in court.
Through these design choices, we create an environment where users can fully experience the qualities of the natural elements.
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The open relationship between landscape and building, as foreseen in the original design, is being restored in a contemporary way.
In the 70s, people came in via an infrastructure landscape; in our design, you enter the building through a human, generous and green front space.
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The magistrates' route is not only efficient, it is above all very pleasant. The tour creates a sheltered connection and a sheltered courtyard.
It also enables employees to enjoy natural light and fresh air on their way to and from the courtroom.
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New facades are created by rearranging the elements of the existing facades. Interfering elements are removed, and new elements are added where necessary.
Not only is the natural stone recovered from the facades; even the existing glass is reused as much as possible.
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