The Supreme Court in The Hague has a stately new home. Located in the city’s elegant historic centre, the 100-metre-long structure accommodates 350 employees. Six bronze sculptures of Dutch legal scholars keep watch in front of the large courtroom.
KAAN Architecten, a Rotterdam-based firm, considers the dignified design emblematic of the work of Holland’s highest-ranking legal authority. It is open yet restrained, consequential yet functional, and coarse yet refined. The entrance area with reception hall and press room occupies the entire length of the building: it is the publicly accessible zone.
The Supreme Court’s security measures had a decisive influence on the design, but are unobtrusive. Security glass separates the courtrooms and the foyer from the general public. Six-metre-high glazing units provide a visual link to the city and pledge openness and transparency.
KAAN Architecten, a Rotterdam-based firm, considers the dignified design emblematic of the work of Holland’s highest-ranking legal authority. It is open yet restrained, consequential yet functional, and coarse yet refined. The entrance area with reception hall and press room occupies the entire length of the building: it is the publicly accessible zone.
The Supreme Court’s security measures had a decisive influence on the design, but are unobtrusive. Security glass separates the courtrooms and the foyer from the general public. Six-metre-high glazing units provide a visual link to the city and pledge openness and transparency.