New Eurojust Headquarters in The Hague,the Netherlands by Mecanoo+Royal Haskoning

Article source: Mecanoo + Royal Haskoning

world forum

As an agency of the European Union, Eurojust handles the judicial co-operation of cross-border criminal matters. Mecanoo, in collaboration with Royal Haskoning and DS Landsacpe Architects have teamed up to design the new Eurojust premises. The new complex will form a part of The Hague World Forum area of Peace, Safety and Justice. The concept of the dune landscape designed for the World Forum area will be continued across theJohan de Wittlaan. This design concept illustrates a strong connection with Eurojust’sneighbouringorganisations, 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’.

Entrance view

• Architects: Mecanoo + Royal Haskoning
• Project: New Eurojust Headquarters
• Location: The Hague, the Netherlands

Stairs view

inviting and safe

The Eurojust building feels elegant, modern and spacious, while respecting the contextual urban history of the area. The building is in alignment with theorientationsof the original buildingson this side ofJohan deWittlaan which simultaneously creates a landscaped public square.Thesquare isinvitingandoffers views onto themain entranceof Eurojust.Thetoweris focused on thisentrance area,the World Forum areaand The Hague.The low-risestays close to thescale of theneighbouringvillas andapartment buildings.Thecareful integrationof the building into the site is made possible by placing two levelsundergroundwherethe conferencefacilityis located.The adjacentsloping gardenbringsdaylight into thebasement levelsand strengthens theidentity of thegreendistrict.The landscape designincorporates thehighest standardsfor Eurojustin a natural waybyincludingdunes andwater features.

Back view

elegant

The building architecture represents the core values of Eurojust. The light façade is composed ofan alternating rhythmof open and closedcompositeelements which give the building a modernbuttimelessappearance.Glass panelsalternatetiltingforwards or backwardsand 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 tothe lower floors. The water of thepondin the dune landscapeis reflectedin the ceilingof the lobby.

Site plan

Tags: The Hague, The Netherlands

Category: Headquarters

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