The Hague World Forum

2005 - 2014

World Forum is a public space designed by DS where all the puzzle pieces come together: the theme, the tranquillity, and the dune-like atmosphere.

Public Space Design

World Forum is located in the international zone of The Hague, which houses various buildings of international institutions. These contribute to the creation of a peaceful and just world, which is why The Hague is named the “international city of peace and justice.” In this international zone, the design and maintenance of the public space receive extra attention and funding from the municipality of The Hague. The connecting theme of the public space is “peace and justice” and is designed by DS, implemented in phases.

Objective

The renovation of the World Forum is a collaboration between the Government Buildings Agency (Europol), the municipality of The Hague (museums), and the TCN developer (World Forum congress centre now also municipal property) with the goal of creating a boundless public space of grandeur and scale. The area is highly secured but appears relaxed. Underground, there is a complex network of parking garages and property boundaries, none of which are visible in the public space.

Concept
Thoughts on “peace and justice” are cultivated in World Forum. The public space for the thinkers in the adjacent buildings is boundless and soft, positively influencing their thinking. The curved central line connects the Peace Palace with the Yugoslavia Tribunal (ICTY). This central line is a line of peace. Nelson Mandela walks along this line near the Omniversum towards the Peace Palace.

Design

Despite the long execution of the plan, the curved line is implemented throughout the entire length with the same radius of curvature, alternating between tiles and stones. At night, in the light of the lamp posts, the line can be seen from above. Although the ground level rises and falls, the light poles remain at the same height. The softness of the plan is expressed through the planting scheme, referencing the dunes. It is rich in nutrients, resulting in high biodiversity. The dune-like atmosphere also aligns with The Hague’s international image as the Green City by the Sea. The planting plan is executed by Fred Booy.

Details

The granite paving is designed in a pattern of uniformly-sized tiles and stones. The furniture is made of solid granite, matching the tile dimensions. This simplicity together with high-quality materials creates grandeur.

Property boundaries are not visible, as the public space drapes over them like a carpet. Where possible, the planting on the inside and outside of the fences are made to look identical.

Security measures, such as the benches on the staircases and the Cortensteel walls in the planting, are integrated into the design. As a result, no car can unexpectedly drive up to the buildings.

Related projects:

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Verbindend duinlandschap

The Hague World Forum

World Forum is a public space designed by DS where all the puzzle pieces come together: the theme, the tranquillity, and the dune-like atmosphere.

Verbindend duinlandschap

The Hague World Forum

World Forum is a public space designed by DS where all the puzzle pieces come together: the theme, the tranquillity, and the dune-like atmosphere.

Het Weilandwonen en de nesteljas

Nesteljas (‘nesting coat’) are house facades with an integrated capacity to accommodate birds.

Het Weilandwonen en de nesteljas

Nesteljas (‘nesting coat’) are house facades with an integrated capacity to accommodate birds.

Landscape and ecological connection

William Alexander Park

A tunnel with an empty roof on top, practically in the middle of a residential area, how do you set that up as a municipality? The answer was quickly found: a park. And not just any park, but one that connects city and country.

Landscape and ecological connection

William Alexander Park

A tunnel with an empty roof on top, practically in the middle of a residential area, how do you set that up as a municipality? The answer was quickly found: a park. And not just any park, but one that connects city and country.

A new expantion of the village of Twello is a cultural historic motive to transform two seperated estates into one

Achter ‘t Holthuis

The new borough named Achter ’t Holthuis stands on the sport fields east of the village of Twello. The new intervention knits together two existing estates into one big ensemble of forests, fields and lanes.

A new expantion of the village of Twello is a cultural historic motive to transform two seperated estates into one

Achter ‘t Holthuis

The new borough named Achter ’t Holthuis stands on the sport fields east of the village of Twello. The new intervention knits together two existing estates into one big ensemble of forests, fields and lanes.

Starting with landscape

Park Brederode – Bloemendaal

First landscape then architecture is the motto of the process. Park Brederode is a clear example of this design attitude.

Starting with landscape

Park Brederode – Bloemendaal

First landscape then architecture is the motto of the process. Park Brederode is a clear example of this design attitude.

Nature inclusive

Sharing the shelter

Biodiversity: nature is our living environment, a long period of separation between nature and mankind finally comes to an end!

Nature inclusive

Sharing the shelter

Biodiversity: nature is our living environment, a long period of separation between nature and mankind finally comes to an end!

Spaarndammerhart – Amsterdam

The apartment complex in the heart of Spaarndammerbuurt, with its nesting stones and promising gardens, is an ideal place for people, plants, and animals alike.

Spaarndammerhart – Amsterdam

The apartment complex in the heart of Spaarndammerbuurt, with its nesting stones and promising gardens, is an ideal place for people, plants, and animals alike.

Polder Rijnenburg – Designing with heritage

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Polder Rijnenburg – Designing with heritage

In two workshops in the spring of 2024, experts and stakeholders, led by studio master Maike van Stiphout, sketched on the past as inspiration for the future of polder Rijnenburg. Based on the outcomes of the two workshops, we have defined four smart building blocks for creating development scenarios in which archaeology and cultural history are guiding.

Living Together

nextcity.com publisher

nextcity.com celebrated its 10th anniversary in the IABR 2024 with a beautiful gathering. As of now, she continues as a publisher, of guides and more.

Living Together

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nextcity.com celebrated its 10th anniversary in the IABR 2024 with a beautiful gathering. As of now, she continues as a publisher, of guides and more.

Nature inclusive building complex Vertical Amsterdam

Amsterdam Vertical (Sloterdijk plots N1+N3) is the first nature-inclusive building complex in Sloterdijk. By coordinating measures in building morphology, architecture and planting choices and management, the building complex is a biotope for lots of urban flora and fauna.

Nature inclusive building complex Vertical Amsterdam

Amsterdam Vertical (Sloterdijk plots N1+N3) is the first nature-inclusive building complex in Sloterdijk. By coordinating measures in building morphology, architecture and planting choices and management, the building complex is a biotope for lots of urban flora and fauna.

Redesign Tilla Durieux Park

Tilla Durieux Park

The Tilla Durieux Park at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin opened in 2003. It is a heavily used and beloved urban meadow. And that is equally the problem. The grass slopes […]

Redesign Tilla Durieux Park

Tilla Durieux Park

The Tilla Durieux Park at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin opened in 2003. It is a heavily used and beloved urban meadow. And that is equally the problem. The grass slopes […]

Cultural history analysis

Landscape Analysis Voorsterklei

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Cultural history analysis

Landscape Analysis Voorsterklei

That the Dutch landscape is sometimes full of surprises is demonstrated by DS’ analysis of territory De Voorsterklei.

Zaan corridor station Castricum

Castricum “the village by the dunes”. Castricum Station can become the link between Metropolitan Amsterdam and the dunes.

Zaan corridor station Castricum

Castricum “the village by the dunes”. Castricum Station can become the link between Metropolitan Amsterdam and the dunes.

Integral design landscape and architecture

Eurojust The Hague

The environment Eurojust is designed so that the landscape and architecture blend completely. This is the only way heavy security cannot dominate.

Integral design landscape and architecture

Eurojust The Hague

The environment Eurojust is designed so that the landscape and architecture blend completely. This is the only way heavy security cannot dominate.

The Goorloop valley – Helmond

The valley of the Goorloop is a robust ecological, hydrological and recreational connector of landscape and city. The admosphere in the valley is largely defined by the scenic quality of its edges.

The Goorloop valley – Helmond

The valley of the Goorloop is a robust ecological, hydrological and recreational connector of landscape and city. The admosphere in the valley is largely defined by the scenic quality of its edges.

Prelimary landscape design landscape Eemklooster in Amersfoort

The landscape of the Eemklooster will be rewilded, to increase the biodiversity and the nature experience for the micro-city citizens. DS is responsible for the landscape design. The plan for the urban and landscape redevelopment  is made by Urban frameworks, in collaboration with DS landscape architects.

Prelimary landscape design landscape Eemklooster in Amersfoort

The landscape of the Eemklooster will be rewilded, to increase the biodiversity and the nature experience for the micro-city citizens. DS is responsible for the landscape design. The plan for the urban and landscape redevelopment  is made by Urban frameworks, in collaboration with DS landscape architects.

“De Buitenpoort”

Off the Platform, onto the Paths! Stations in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam are becoming the starting points for a day out in nature. Objective “De Buitenpoort” is the name […]

“De Buitenpoort”

Off the Platform, onto the Paths! Stations in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam are becoming the starting points for a day out in nature. Objective “De Buitenpoort” is the name […]

‘The Butterfly Effect’ – an ultralicht web above the highway

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‘The Butterfly Effect’ – an ultralicht web above the highway

As part of the Design Challenge ‘Our Energy Our Landscape’, the multidisciplinary team of VenhoevenCS, DS landscape architects and Studio Solarix developed a surprising proposal in which generating clean energy is ingeniously and beautifully combined with restoring connections in nature and reducing noise pollution.

Integrated Strategic Landscape Analysis

ISLA

To intertwine new construction and landscape and thereby create nature-inclusive environments, DS uses ISLA. What does that mean?

Integrated Strategic Landscape Analysis

ISLA

To intertwine new construction and landscape and thereby create nature-inclusive environments, DS uses ISLA. What does that mean?

Time mechanism

Views of nature have a positive effect on a patient’s recovery.

Time mechanism

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Cultural history analysis

Polder Rijnenburg

A turf under which lies a long history. Lift the turf and see who lived here and how agriculture was practiced. How the battle with the water and the struggle between noble families left their mark on the landscape.

Cultural history analysis

Polder Rijnenburg

A turf under which lies a long history. Lift the turf and see who lived here and how agriculture was practiced. How the battle with the water and the struggle between noble families left their mark on the landscape.

Interplay of landscape and architecture

Meander Medical Center

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Interplay of landscape and architecture

Meander Medical Center

A hospital in the middle of nature, this has a positive effect on healing and is relaxing for staff and visitors.

From intensive meadow landscape to stream valley landscape

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From intensive meadow landscape to stream valley landscape

Flier Valley

The goal is to transform a flat meadow landscape into an enchanting stream valley landscape. What is needed to achieve this?

Ecologische verbindingszone

Waelpark

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Ecologische verbindingszone

Waelpark

Instead of viewing the natural area as separate from the residential area, you can consider the residential area as an extension of the natural area.

Biesbosch Station – Dordrecht

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Biesbosch Station – Dordrecht

Biesbosch Central Station explores how nature can be combined with dense urban living. A new quality of life is being explored through the introduction of unexpected and spectacular experiences of nature for people and animals.

HABITAT

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HABITAT is the result of a joint effort by DS, VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism, IVAM (University of Amsterdam) and Wim Timmermans (lecturer Larenstein) as part of The Green Architecture Competition. HABITAT is […]

HABITAT

Green Architecture

HABITAT is the result of a joint effort by DS, VenhoevenCS architecture+urbanism, IVAM (University of Amsterdam) and Wim Timmermans (lecturer Larenstein) as part of The Green Architecture Competition. HABITAT is […]

Structured Guerrilla Gardening

The Sleeping Beauty

One of Rotterdam’s modernist buildings is dressed with a coat of climbing plants. The pool, which will be demolished, is temporary urban nature.

Structured Guerrilla Gardening

The Sleeping Beauty

One of Rotterdam’s modernist buildings is dressed with a coat of climbing plants. The pool, which will be demolished, is temporary urban nature.