Mecanoo was commissioned to research the possibility of redeveloping the World Forum in The Hague. Designed in 1960 by J.J.P. Oud, the former congress centre forms part of The Hague World Forum, an international zone focused on peace, justice and security.
The dated building will be transformed into a contemporary congress centre capable of hosting conferences for organisations such as the United Nations. The design for the car park was realised.
The area between the demolished Statenhal and the World Forum has been transformed from a transport area into an eminent address known as The Forum. The entrances to the congress centre and Europol are positioned centrally in the building while a second entrance fronts the street.
A round, glass volume housing the multipurpose congress hall is situated at the former main entrance. Strategically designed facade lighting gives the building its eye-catching appearance both day and night. A large canopy, with a congress hall beyond, marks the new entrance. The proposal also includes an extension to the existing hotel and a new office block and fitness area.
Located below the Forum is a three-storey car park that accommodates 590 parking spaces. Cars enter via an existing ramp while the main exit for pedestrians protrudes into the landscape that curves over the car park and emerges at Forum level.
A new loading dock placed at the rear of the building incorporates four platforms suitable for trucks. Mecanoo also designed the Eurojust building in The Hague World Forum.