schmidt hammer lassen celebrates newly inaugurated International Criminal Court in The Hague

The schmidt hammer lassen-designed International Criminal Court Permanent Premises broke ground in The Hague back in April 2013. Almost exactly three years later on April 19, SHL Architects took part in a prestigious inauguration ceremony of the new ICC Premises, which is also dubbed as the “Peace Palace of the 21st century”. Schmidt hammer lassen was one of the winning firms in the 2008 competition.

Hosted by ICC President Silvia Fernández and Sidiki Kaba, President of the Assembly of States Parties, the ceremony earlier this week had 350 notable guests, including Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. King Willem-Alexander officially opened the new court and office building. Following the ceremony, SHL senior partner Bjarne Hammer guided the guests of honor on an architectural tour of the new building.

Keep reading for more about the project from the architects.

“The ICC finalized its move into its new home on December 14, 2015. The Court required a functional purpose-built premises to effectively fulfill its mandate in the fight against impunity for perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Construction work of the new premises started in April 2013 and the building was officially handed over to the ICC this past November.”

“The design of the building reflects the transparency of the institution. It combines sculptural architecture with stringent security measures, while showcasing best practices in sustainability and respect for nature, within the natural dune landscape between The Hague and the North Sea.”

“The building complex consists of six towers that are connected on the ground and first floors offering over 1,200 workplaces. The largest tower, the Court Tower, accommodates three courtrooms and a media center.”