Established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and similar atrocities, the International Criminal Court (ICC) quickly outgrew its temporary home within a larger office building in The Hague. It needed more court rooms as well as support spaces. After a feasibility study, the ICC decided to repurpose a parking deck at the building’s north side.
Converting a park deck presented a significant design challenge: how to make low-ceilinged, claustrophobic spaces feel welcoming and protective, as well as give them the respectful look of an international organization. An additional challenge was carving out two well-proportioned courts within poorly proportioned volumes, and to create a smooth circulation system that could accommodate separate routes for judges, clerks, suspects, and members of the public.
The new volume doesn’t stand out because of an outspoken shape, as the existing office building does, but is defined by a subtly varied facade that lends it a strong, elegant appearance. Its cladding is made of two differently shaped aluminum panels that are anodized in two different colors. The new courts occupy space on what had been the parking deck’s top level, while lower floors include public areas such as the lobby, a library, and press briefing room. In order to avoid reducing the height of these seven-foot-high spaces any more than was necessary, the architect placed all HVAC and electrical conduits inside the walls.
PeopleArchitect Rijksgebouwendienst (Dutch Governmental Building Agency) Project architect: Gemma Koppen Project manager: Roel vd Mark Project leader: Arie de Jong Interior designer VMV Architects Engineer(s) Construction, security, building physics, and feasibility studies: Dutch Governmental Building Agency Project team: Fred Verschoor, Edwin Verhagen, Jaap de Jonge, Peter van Hulten Consultant(s) Landscape: Ir. MSc. G. Koppen Lighting: Galjema B.V. Technisch Adviesbureau Acoustical: Governmental Building Agency Installations: Galjema B.V. Technisch Adviesbureau General contractor Hillen & Roosen Photographer(s) Rob ‘t Hart Photography |
ProductsExterior Cladding Metal/glass curtainwall: Aluminum panels designed by the Dutch Governmental Building Agency and fabricated by Oskomera Gevelbouw B.V. Glazing Insulated-panel or plastic glazing: U-profiles Linit P26-60-7 by Van den Heuvelglas Interior finishes Acoustical ceilings: Mavotrans, Texaa-Vibrasto; OWAcoustic, Cosmos 68/N; Wilhelmi, Micropor S; BPB Design Plafonds, Ri-acoustic; Gyptone Quattro; Asona, Sonacoustic Paints and stains: Sikkens (Marpal and Wapex); Bolidt (floors) Special surfacing: Birch panels developed by VMV architects, at courts Resilient flooring: Rubber floor tiles by Leoxx B.V. Carpet: Armstrong Libra lines Raised flooring: Soluflex cable floor system (Van Geel) Furnishings Office furniture: Franch Dorso N Reception furniture: Designed by VMV Architects; Ir. MSc. G. Koppen Chairs: Catifa, Arper; Lamhults; Kartell; Utrecht chair at lobby designed by Gerrit Rietveld Tables: Designed by VMV Architects, fabricated by Meubelmakerij Baxmeier Lighting Interior ambient lighting: Light objects designed by VMV architects, light line designed by Ir. MSc. G. Koppen; Targetti, Victoria recessed flush; Microline 30 P1154 ANO; Delta Lightz Task lighting: Tolomeo, Artemide Exterior: Fiberlight Line
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