Eurojust (EU agency)

Den Haag, Nederland

Photo © Mecanoo

Overheidsgebouwen

Architecten: Mecanoo

Locatie: Jan Willem Frisolaan, Den Haag, Nederland
Jaar: 2017
Klant: Central Government Real Estate Agency and Ministry of Security and Justice - Rijksgebouwendienst
Programme: BREEAM-NL Very good certified office building with conference facilities, totalling 18,500 m2; underground parking for 272 cars; landscape design and public realm
Design Team: Mecanoo with Royal HaskoningDHV and DS Landschaparchitecten

Eurojust is the EU-judicial cooperation unit dealing with cross-border crime. The new headquarters for Eurojust in the International Zone of The Hague were developed together with the Central Government Real Estate Agency, the Ministry of Justice and Security and the municipality. The complexity of the location and the stringent security measures required a carefully integrated design solution.

The building is an elegant composition of two volumes: the high-rise tower facing the Johan de Wittlaan and the low-rise plinth on the park side. The rhythm of pure white composite facade elements gives the building a timeless, classic beauty. The windows are subtly tilted either horizontally or vertically, thereby reflecting both the sky and the surrounding landscape.Inside, visitors are welcomed into a spacious, double height lobby. From the lobby, there is a gradual transition from open spaces to more private areas. A wide staircase, overlooking the dune landscape, descends to the conference centre. The higher levels feature a contemporary office environment that encourages cooperation.

Eurojust is linked to the International Zone by an undulating dune landscape with grassy vegetation and wild flowers. By ingeniously incorporating the security requirements within the landscape design, the building has been given an open character. Mecanoo designed the dune landscape of this area in collaboration with DS Landschapsarchitecten, lending a recognisable identity to the public space and connecting the various international organisations.