seeds of change
A homage to our future city — The Hague, the Netherlands
master building engineering studio / TU Delft
Since 1982, this “iceberg” has housed the Royal Library of the Netherlands. However, the building no longer fits the library’s modern values of being connecting, innovative, reliable, and open. A new identity for the Library should be created, together with that of The Hague. Building on the principles of zero waste, the proposal aims at solving weaknesses with what is already there. Reusing of the monumental aluminum panels by cutting and folding them, green walls are made, with fully demountable hydroponic systems that re-use rainwater caught on the green roofs. With nature inclusivity, air purification, and comfort in mind, the building transforms phase by phase. Both interior and exterior, different species of plants grow and the passing of time becomes visible on the facade. As a statement on our future, the iceberg melts into a green mountain. Planting the seeds of change today, for a greener, sustainable tomorrow.
