Re-build

Abstract

Office buildings in the Netherlands are problematic. These buildings are often monofunctional and of low architectural value resulting in an average lifespan of only 30 years! The tradition of demolition and new construction of mediocre buildings is harmful for public space and a waste of money, time, and moreover, building materials.
This project explores the architectural possibilities of transforming a typical Dutch office building, the extension of the Palace of Justice in Arnhem, centered around a circular material strategy. In this circular material strategy the existing materials are reused, remade and recycled into the design of the transformation to reduce the environmental impact and reconsider our take-make-waste tradition.
The design transforms the current, monofunctional and low-value extension of the Palace of Justice into a qualitative and flexible structure. By removing the two eastern building parts an urban passage is created allowing the building to position itself strongly into the urban fabric and simultaneously clarifying the hierarchy inside the building. Covering the space in between the rear wings, enlarging the façade openings and creating a central atrium provide the building with the much needed architectural quality and help define a strong and flexible basis.
The far-reaching reuse of building materials in the design, focused especially on the reuse of concrete, results in a CO2 reduction of 85% when compared to new construction of a similar building. Hereby, the projects shows it is worthwhile reconsidering low-value office buildings from both the architectural and sustainability perspective. The circular strategy, with the related large environmental benefits, is an example of how we should approach building materials and never throw them away without second thoughts. By doing this, the project is an exemplary case study of how the architect can contribute to the circular transition and ultimately to a more sustainable world.