Government office Universe The Hague

sightlines & pivot points 

At first sight, the Universe Building seems rather compelling, with many corners and height differences. But there are certainly qualities to be found, such as the long sightlines and the semicircular, high space facing the courtyard garden. This space functions as a pivot point. It provides clear access to the other building parts, and also lends itself well to a restaurant function. The office floors in the building wings are given small pivot points. A handy adaptation handbook for the spatial layout of these floors makes it relatively easy for future users to anticipate changing workplace concepts and trends.

circular 

The proposed interventions are minimal but aimed at maximum results, for example, a precision breakthrough can create an additional sightline. The material released from such breakthroughs is used elsewhere in the building. The building envelope is also purposefully preserved. And as with breakthroughs, elements to be removed are reused. Façade glazing that needs replacing will be reused in new, bio-based interior wall systems. The ambition is not to waste any existing material.

lush greenery 

Given the aim for a healthy working environment, daylight and greenery are important aspects of the Universe Building's new interior. The lush plants and trees in the inner garden and the adjacent, double-height restaurant area will form a visual whole. This bright, high space serves as the heart of the government office. On the ground floor, plants are also subtly used to show the way - they mark the route from the entrance to the inner garden, among other things - and to accentuate the points where routes intersect. The current technical installations in the courtyard garden will be removed.

paris proof 

By transforming the Universe Building, the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf (Central Government Real Estate Agency) wants to be a frontrunner in Paris Proof building. The project team endorses this wholeheartedly. This high ambition is partly due to the issue of grid congestion: the Universe Building is allowed to return a maximum of 20 per cent energy to the grid in one year's time. The design and new installations aim to reduce energy demand and generate and retain energy themselves. The new lighting is energy-efficient, the new air treatment is demand-driven, and insulation improves significantly.