Rijkswaterstaat- Amazing Dutch Public Works Bureau

A building which is a totally contrast in materials and design. This is Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment which completed the office building set along the highway in Assen, the Netherlands. The fact that its bureau is responsible for the execution of public works and water management, made them want that their offices become a symbol for their work.

Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10

24 H Architecture was asked for help and here it is an interesting building which is a representation of the common materials used by the bureau for their work. It is a contrasted building regarding its design and materials used for its construction.

The south façade of the building is made of concrete and asphalt slap. This side of the building looks like the wing of a shark; especially during the night when it gets a dark, blue nuance.

Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10
Rijkswaterstaat Head Office design10

The north side of this building has nothing in common wit its south side. It is lightweight, wooden and airy and on the top of the building there is a green roof terrace.Its exterior design, the different shape of the windows creates a totally different perspective for this side of the building. It is a construction which amazes you by its contrasts.{pictures by Christian Richters}