Ministry of Social Affairs
The former Ministry of Social Affairs in The Hague, is in a crucial location due to its proximity to the train station of Den Haag Laan van NOI. Designed in the 1980’s by architect Herman Hertzberger, the massive concrete building was recently repurposed to host housing and commercial activities.
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Location
Den Haag, NetherlandsYear
2016 -
VORM Ontwikkeling B.V.
BPD Ontwikkeling B.V. -
Design lead
Eric Frijters
Olv KlijnProject Manager
José CocchiararoTeam members
Lloyd Martin
Duong Bui
Luca de Stefano
Monika Novkovik
FABRICations developed a project to revitalize the building and adapt it to the new use by giving it new identity without compromising its historical value. Strategically, critical demolitions and additions were used to transform the building into a catalyst for public life and commercial activity in order to maximize the investments and introduce outer spaces and vegetation.
The final outcome is a 3D village where apartments have outdoor space and vegetation to provide natural climate control, water retention and sound insulation. The new façade provides a new identity for the building and efficient insulation, while historical characteristics are preserved inside. The traditional high rise typology is broken into a fragmented and dynamic entity where the building cascades towards the inner courtyards and the public life.
“It is unfortunate that this historically significant building faces the threat of destruction. To address this challenge, we have developed an innovative alternative design aimed at preserving the heritage while transforming the structure into a vibrant hub for public life and commercial activities.”
