Hoge Raad der Nederlanden
The Supreme Court of the Netherlands, designed by KAAN Architecten, is distinguished and functional, hard and ethereal, rough and refined: the new home of the highest court in the Netherlands exhibits a tight relationship between openness and security.
The building, which measures 18.000 m2 and houses a staff of 350, is situated along the Korte Voorhout nearby the elegantly historic city center of The Hague. The main entrance is flagged by six bronze statues of legal scholars seated on pedestals, with a single pane of glass subtly marking the transition from the street to the interior. The transparency of the building signifies both accessibility to the public as well as the soundness and clarity of judgment. The entrance hall (where the courtrooms and the press room are located) forms the public area; it has double height ceilings that span the full length of the building. The floors and walls are of a light grey limestone that exudes a velvety texture. The upper floors accommodate offices, a library with study places, a restaurant, and council and meeting chambers. Daylight permeates the building through several skylights, forming the core of the distinct domains of the Council (Raad) and Procurator General Office (Parket).
De Hoge Raad der Nederlanden by KAAN Architecten is winner of the ARC 2016 Architecture Award.