SoZaWe Office Building Groningen
The Municipal Office for Social Affairs and Employment in Groningen is an important building for various visitors and employees. However, not every visitor is pleased to visit the ‘SOZAWE’. Therefore, the building must be accessible and not a dominant icon in its surroundings. Preferably it is a subdued, yet inviting building where visitors easily walk in and feel at home.
The atrium has the character of an attractive, light and green shopping mall which is easily accessible for visitors. Along the way from the entrance on the square to the privacy of the garden at the rear. visitors discover new sections, patios and public spaces while still having an overview and being able to orientate themselves.
For employees, there is a second separated circuit connected to the upper office floors. The offices are alternately orientated, light and flexible, making it possible to rent different sections separately. On the roof, scenic gardens and transparent pavilions can be found, to enjoy a moment of rest, away from the daily work stress and with panoramic views.
The building is very durable in various aspects. It is compact of volume, uses natural decentralized ventilation principles and generates energy itself. Its logistics are flexible and the building is therefore easy to adapt to new situations.
Function | Industrial / Cultural |
Status | Limited Competition |
Client |
Gemeente Groningen |
Location |
Groningen |
Project architect |
Hans van Heeswijk |
Project team |
Sara van Dijk, Maarten Emmelkamp, Dick de Gunst, Stephanie Haumann, Hans van Heeswijk, Erwin Schermer |
Start |
2009 |