Unusual Architecture + Rudy Uytenhaak

L'Aia, Paesi Bassi: [MUNICIPAL OFFICE LEYWEG BY RUDY UYTENHAAK]
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

The Municipal Office in Leyweg is the 'second town hall' of The Hague. It is a symbol of the renaissance of the southwest area of The Hague acting as a catalyst for renewal in the district.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

This ambition is expressed in the building’s height and through its appealing open form with a feel for scale and detail. Municipal services and a library make up the building’s base with offices and apartments above.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

New and “proven” construction techniques are used inventively resulting in an expressive form that is spatially surprising, flexible, functional and durable.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

The facade is a multifaceted relief made of beautiful white Norwegian marble, building on the qualities created by the Dutch architect Willem Marinus Dudok, with their original modernist optimism.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

Inside, the atrium addresses the task at hand, making a centre for both residents and decision-makers alike.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

Municipal public service desks, information facilities and a public library are situated on the ground floor. The wedding hall, staff restaurant and meeting centre are located on the first floor.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

On a higher level, above the atrium roof, is the municipal health service, while the multi-purpose building unfolds around the triangular atrium. The upper nine storeys are made up of apartments.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

The Hague Municipal Council aims to be a transparent organisation. In this new municipal office, contact both with the outside world and within the organisation is enhanced by the building’s triangular form.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

The workstations are placed in an open-plan office design around the atrium, allowing staff sightlines to each other and to other departments. Informal contact between employees and different departments are reinforced due to the corridor circuit on each floor.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

In addition by breaking open the corners of the triangular form, informal meeting points are created with extensive views to the surroundings.

Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak
Municipal Office Leyweg by Rudy Uytenhaak

Location: The Hague, The Netherlands Architects: Rudy Uytenhaak Contractor: BAM Area: 32,600 sqm Year: 2011 Client: The Hague City Council