Innovation center Dutch National Police
The new innovation center for the Dutch national police was designed to foster connections. Located in Utrecht, it offers plenty of space to meet and collaborate with police officers, staff and partners from all over the country.
Fitting their sustainable agenda, the police chose to acquire an existing building to renovate rather than construct a new one. Originally designed as the Mercedes-Benz showroom and office by Ibelings van Tilburg, the building offered flexible office floors around a central atrium. HofmanDujardin’s renovation strategy led to an energy-neutral building, with improved visual and physical connections and a flexible fit-out.
Vital and flexible
As the active center of the building, the atrium is transformed into a vibrant heart with a coffee bar and a wide variety of seating areas. Large, fixed furniture elements in circular shapes invite employees to get together for a drink, lunch, or informal meeting. Luscious green plants and trees and hanging acoustic elements offer more grounded areas in the open space. A novel grandstand staircase connects the atrium floor to the basement, where a series of double-height event spaces can host larger groups.
While respecting the uniqueness of the existing concrete structure, the interior was opened up to allow for more light and transparency. The lower floors offer many large meeting rooms and seminar spaces, while the upper floors are fitted with a novel and flexible workplace concept.
Colophon
Project
HUB50
Description
Innovation center Dutch National Police
Client
Dutch National Police
Location
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Surface
20.900 m²
Date
2021-2022
Services
Landscape Design, Renovation, Architecture Interventions, Interior Design, Restaurant Design and Workplace Design
Team
Barbara Dujardin, Michiel Hofman, Thom Zijlstra, Nuno Urbano, Joana Barriocanal, Nagore Fernandez, Shanuli Gupta, Alwin van Soomeren, Marc van Kaam
Architect original building
Ibelings van Tilburg
Project Management
DEV Real Estate
Contractor
Dura Vermeer Renovatie Midden West
Cost Management
Turner & Townsend