Huis van Cultuur en Bestuur
On the Oude Schans in Delfzijl, we have set out our vision for a new House of Culture and Governance. A place where history, governance and culture come together. The concept for this building is a bold and forward-looking living room for the Eemsdelta region. The architecture responds directly to the unique location on the dyke: a design featuring a transparent, public plinth and an iconic, sculptural roof shape that serves as a recognisable landmark from both the water and the town.
In order to accommodate the growing ambitions and pride of the young merged municipality, the desire for a single new community hub arose. The direct link between the town centre and the water had been lost over the years. The challenge was complex: the extensive programme, comprising a theatre, cinema, library and municipal offices, called for a compact design in a historic location.
Bringing all these functions together into a high-quality public hub presented major spatial challenges. Working closely with our project team, we devised a bold solution based on ‘Smart Building’. We applied an innovative construction principle whereby the heavy concrete structure rests on the ground, whilst the offices and library are stacked on top of it within a lightweight timber structure. By reducing the mass towards the top and using sloping, solar-powered roof shapes, we created a light, earthquake-resistant ‘crown’.
A spacious, rising passageway inside the building seamlessly bridges the difference in height to the embankment, intuitively guiding pedestrians from the city to the water. The result is an open and distinctive building that is ready for the future: a versatile meeting place for all generations, acting as an economic catalyst, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the harbours and the River Ems from the foyer.
Client Eemsdelta Municipality
Co-architect White Arkitekter
Closed competition Not successful
Year 2025