New City Hall 'Stadshuis', Netherlands

Graphic arts of light.

Rotating floors open up

The new Stadshuis is designed with terraced open floors that are rotated around a tall public hall -- a three-dimensional atrium which winds up and conjoins the building. The floors are protruding into the public hall like a fan with independent surfaces. The rotation of the floors allows the visitor a view from one floor to the next all the way up and down through the building.

An open staircase softly winds up through the building and connects the floors. Newly wedded couples may enjoy a promenade down this magnificent staircase. Some of the protruding floors are inter-connected by amphi-staircases which offer the visitor relaxing stays and informal encounters.

When standing in this three-dimensional atrium, the visitor is able to see all the other facilities that the building offers, and the topography of the building is an extraordinary experience. An example of this vertical design is also seen in 3XN's Muziekgebouw where the foyer balconies connected to the concert hall protrude into the public hall -- visible, but not immediately accessible. Another example is our College in Orestaden, Copenhagen.

Tranquility or activity zones

Each floor has a natural zone division. Closest to the public hall are all the visible, active and open zones while the zones for tranquility and discretion are placed further away -- towards the outer facades.

A number of giant pillars comprise, among others, elevators, toilets and other staircases. These staircases enable fast and informal encounters, staff and emergency exits. The giant pillars define and divide the open and flexible floors in the larger sections of the building which gives the layout a logic structure. This enables numerous options for individual interior designs without affecting the overall design of the building.

Credits

• Text and images, courtesy of 3XN Architects
• Compiled and Edited by Varun M Ajani

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