a first look at the house of culture and governance in Delfzijl
Benthem Crouwel Architects and Snøhetta have teamed up to complete a hybrid civic complex in the Netherlands, recently revealing its gently sloping design. The upcoming House of Culture and Governance in Delfzijl will bring together a theater, library, and town hall under one roof. Its form is conceived to respond directly to its urban and cultural context. A soft curve along the facade embraces the public square, while the structure gently tapers into the existing street pattern on the opposite side. The roofline also traces a rhythmic silhouette against the sky, undulating ‘like a piece of music,’ says Saartje van der Made, architect and partner at Benthem Crouwel.
The aim, she notes, is to create a building that feels ‘rooted in the landscape and community of Eemsdelta.’ In line with this, the project is the result of a fast-paced but deeply participatory design process, taking into consideration input from future users, local residents, council members, and youth groups.
all images courtesy of Benthem Crouwel Architects and Snøhetta
Snøhetta & Benthem Crouwel Architects consider local identity
The teams at Snøhetta (see more here) and Benthem Crouwel Architects (see more here) looked closely at Delfzijl’s historical and urban fabric when shaping the building’s massing and material expression. The final design aims to fit seamlessly into its surroundings while also standing out as a contemporary civic landmark. The surrounding area will also be significantly upgraded as part of the project, continuing the municipality’s recent efforts to revitalize the urban fabric, extending from the city beach and boulevard to Damsterkade and Vennenplein.
The House of Culture and Governance is intended to function as a civic and social hub, designed with and for the community. This focus was integral to its identity, as its program has evolved from an initial plan for a theater and library into a multifunctional facility where people can meet, learn, and engage with culture and government. Notably, the heart of the building will be a shared central space, where the library is prominently located and conceived as an open and accessible environment. While the first phase of the design has been completed, the City Council of Eemsdelta is expected to finalize the structural design by October 2025.
a soft curve embraces the public square, while the structure gently tapers into the street pattern on the other side
the roofline also traces a rhythmic silhouette against the sky, undulating ‘like a piece of music,’
project info:
name: House of Culture and Governance
architect: Snøhetta | @snohetta, Benthem Crouwel Architects | @benthemcrouwelarchitects
location: Molenbergplein, Eemsdelta region, the Netherlands
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