layout of the different services is logical, natural and clear. The
boardroom is sizable and many rooms are multifunctional. Mov-
able wall panels grant maximum flexibility and adaptability. Dur-
ing the day, the committee rooms can be used as meeting rooms.
When the flexible walls are fully opened, a large open space for
press conferences, parties, weddings, exhibitions and large gath-
erings comes into being
The materialization is typically Westland-related: elements like
plant beds in the surrounding area, as well as the use of glass
and wood, refer to the glass city’s greenhouses. The furniture is
upholstered in the colours of the Westland’s municipal logo. The
atmosphere is open and intimate at the same time. Visitors feel
welcome, also due to the hospitality of the staff. Along the Ver-
dilaan, the building is in full interaction with its environment.
Among other things due to its transparency and location in the
heart of Naaldwijk, but also because of the integration of the mu-
nicipal archive, the public and administrative center is the place
where the Westland past and present meet.
The exterior of the municipal office at the Laan van de Glazen Stad
has a matter-of-fact appearance; the interior is spacious, inviting
and representative. The building consists of two generic office
bays with a high, luminous and green atrium in between them.
Among others things, the atrium comprises the reception and res-
taurant. It has a strong visual relation with the entrance square.
Photo Info : Lucas Van Der Wee & Gert-Jan Vlekke
Sustainability was also achieved through the method of industrial,
flexible and demountable (IFD) construction, which rendered the re-
alization highly efficient and made for a minimum of materials and
waste. A flexible use and optimal possibilities for the re-use and
recycling of elements are also key within the method.
Fitting in with the urban scheme, the building basically consists of a
long rectangular volume. At its backside, a generic bay of three sto-
reys contains the public consulting rooms, the restaurant kitchen,
offices and the historic archive with accompanying reading room.
The large open space of the atrium holds several ‘islands’ that
seem to float freely in space. They are connected to the office
floors by means of walkways. The islands are fitted with seats and
coffee pantries; it is here where employees discuss the weekend
or, for example, eat cake on a birthday. Thus, the islands not only
significantly contribute to spatial diversity, but also play a key
role in stimulating meetings, interaction and social cohesion. Also,
they are part of the traffic routes between the two office bays,
which can be arranged freely.
In front of this generic bay lies a large, transparent and inviting
atrium. One side of its ground floor level holds the public entrance
area; the representative reception area and restaurant are situat-
ed on the opposite side. In the middle of the atrium, the council
functions are housed in a spacious ‘furniture-like’ construction. This
has had rounded ends, extra high ceilings and a skin of glass and
wooden slats. The lower level contains the shared functions of the
the administrative apparatus like the committee rooms and the con-
ference center. The upper level comprises among others the council
hall, the room for the Mayor and Aldermen and the party chambers. The municipal office offers a contemporary working environment
with different types of workplaces and many options for meeting
and sharing knowledge. The ground floor houses general func-
tions like the project, meeting and instruction rooms, as well as
the dispatch and technical areas. The upper floors are arranged
with different types of workplaces in open, semi-open and more
confined areas in a gradual scale ranging from bustle through
murmur and peace & quiet. The quieter, more private areas are
situated along the façades; the areas for meeting and cooperation
are positioned along the lively atrium. The informal living rooms
with both high and low tables and chairs connect directly to the
meeting islands. At the building’s end, the upper floor holds a spe-
cial brainstorm lounge connected to an outdoor balcony.
The transparent atrium façade offers passers-by a direct view on
the administrative functions, while the wooden slats nevertheless
make for a sense of demarcation as well as lend the administrative
furniture-piece a special appearance and dignity. The high degree
of insight and transparency is inviting and the light and warm ap-
pearance accommodates an agreeable working environment. The The municipal office has an overall appearance that is both pro-
fessional and attractive. As in the public and administrative center,
the colors used for the interior elements stem from the colors in
the Westland logo. As an identity-enhancing element, wall-wide
photo prints with typical scenes from the Westland life are used
in a variety of spaces.