112_ICC,International Criminal Court
XDGA proposed to organize the ICC complex like a small fragment of a city, composed of a collection of independent building volumes around a central square.
XDGA proposed to organize the ICC complex like a small fragment of a city, composed of a collection of independent building volumes around a central square. The volumes are connected through a lower socle which is embedded in the landscape. A long stretch of public space is cut into the landscape and the socle. On the site, the former dun escape is reinstated. The original topography is adapted in order to conceal the socle and the underground parking garage.
The composition is formed by simple, vertical volumes of varying height with only one exception: the court volume. The floating courtroom volume is supported by a lower building. It is a vertical ‘salle des pas perdus’; the vibrant center of the institute. The unique section of the socle allows the various security requirements to be achieved in a subtle but effective way. Above the arrival square, the luminous ceiling of the floating volume is composed of a pattern of member state flag panels, alternating with white panels for states that are still to join.
The facades on the outer edge of the complex are defined by vertical concrete fins that act as a security device against blasts. They have transparent glass in between allowing public visibility of the activities of the ICC. The concept allows not only for future expansion but it can also absorb variable factors, changes during the planning process, and even unforeseen changes in the program. The micro-city becomes denser while it also conserves all of its defining qualities.
