Designing the Peace Palace

Abstract

This research investigates the evolution of Louis Marie Cordonnier’s award-winning design for the Peace Palace and how it ultimately transformed into the building that was constructed. To answer this question, both secondary literature and archival sources, including drawings, letters, and meeting records, have been consulted.

Originally envisioned as two richly decorated structures adorned with multiple towers, the Peace Palace underwent significant simplification, emerging as a more restrained composition with fewer towers and minimal ornamentation. Contrary to common belief, it was not the later associate, Van der Steur, but the original architect, Louis M. Cordonnier, who initiated the most substantial revisions. Cordonnier remained closely involved in the project even after Van der Steur’s official appointment.

In addition to the architects' influence, the role of the client in the design phase, particularly the Carnegie Foundation, was pivotal. While budget constraints were the official justification for modifying the original design, many, including the Foundation’s chairman, welcomed the more modest aesthetic. This transformation aligned well with the preference of that time for a distinctly Dutch character, which was often portrayed by simplicity and a ‘silent grandeur’.

The final design of the Peace Palace, with its eclectic expression, places it within the architectural avant-garde of its time. While it incorporates modern elements, these are less visually dominant compared to contemporary buildings like the Beurs van Berlage, where modernism is expressed openly on the façade. This contrast suggests that visual expression plays a critical role in defining whether a building is perceived as modern.