The majestic building with a clear hierarchical structure, built in 1917 by Daniel Knüttel for the Ministry of Economy, is an example of the neo-Renaissance style and a symbol of the Dutch state of that period. A hundred years later, the "first category" architectural monument received a new life: five different departments were located here, proclaiming the B30 the "think tank" of the government. This required creating a modern office space there, an environment for user interaction, an intuitive plan and openness to the public.
KAAN Architecten, in collaboration with the restorers Braaksma & Roos, turned to the historical basis of the monument: at the heart of their concept is one of the Knüttel variants. It was decided to remove the later layers, primarily the fruits of the 1994 reconstruction by the architect Hans Reissenars. Its additions were contrasted with the historical structure, and furthermore, they were considered not in line with the concept of flexible office space, since the priority in his time was given to building up space.
The superstructure, which distorted the proportions of the courtyard, was dismantled along with the structures that cut it vertically. The height of the atrium was reduced by a third. In place of the bulky outbuildings on the sides of the building, spacious foyers have appeared and gardens have been laid out again. Created spaces for interaction that are in demand by B30 employees and visitors: the seminar foyer includes meeting rooms and an auditorium, a working foyer - areas for work and relaxation, a bar and a library.
Visual connections and transparency are enhanced in all horizontal directions. In the side foyers there are huge swing-out windows with polished aluminum frames. On the main façade, the openings of the first floors are widened to the basement. This tier became open to the public, while the entrance group with the main staircase leading to the former cabinet of the minister was restored. The structure of the side wings has been completely revised: the corridors have been lined up in a straightforward and understandable scheme, and navigation has been simplified. The interiors are dominated by white.
The ceilings of the atrium and foyer are designed in the same style. They have triangular shaped skylights that can be tilted to provide optimal illumination. The shape of the lanterns with a square base echoes the historic caissons. On the floor of the atrium, artist Rob Bierza laid out a mosaic - an abstraction of the garden, connecting the courtyard with the side gardens and the Hague forest behind the structure.
The renovation was conceived by a government real estate agency and carried out by a large consortium selected through an international competition. The building was given to a private investor for management for 30 years under a life cycle contract. The reconstruction cost was 31 million euros. The total area of the renovated complex is 21,000 m2.
