Ambitions Renewal Rijnstraat 8

In spring 2009 the decision was made to radically renew the current principal seat of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM), located at Rijnstraat 8 in The Hague. This renewal would aim to drastically modernise the building in many ways making it suitable for use by several central government departments.

The ambitions and intended plans are substantial to the extent they involve far-reaching consequences for the building and its users; the word ‘renewal’ is well chosen. Subsequent to the project the building will also accommodate the policy centres of the Ministriy of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (VenW) and the Ministry of VROM.

On delivery, Jan Hoogstad’s design was an undeniable example of a modern, sustainable office building with striking architecture. Renewal should put the building once again at the leading edge yes with architectural quality of the design treated with respect. The ‘new’ building should once again become an inspiration and attractive place to work.

This document outlines the ambitions of the renewal project. They represent the starting point for further interpretation, to result in output specifications for the building’s transformation.