The new council offices for the City of Haarlem form the first building being built within the Master Plan 023 Haarlem. This masterplan for the area at the Schipholweg provides a clear structure with an urban grid of streets and buildings. It has two large water reservoirs and a network of narrow streets and courts that determine the identity of the public space.
The design for the council offices is a closed block with four distinct faces to the sides: the city boulevard Schipholweg, a private courtyard to a bicycle route, a water reservoir and a little side street. Inside the block, two courtyards form the main public spaces. An inner courtyard houses the public hall and makes the connection between the Schipholweg and the water, an outer courtyard is formed by a garden. The entrances to the building are connected to these main areas. The building follows the determined building lines carefully. The free forms of the interior contrast with the austere facades like the public hall and garden.
