Inner-city redevelopment boosts urban and spatial quality of Laakhaven, The Hague
Four towers on an urban plinth transform the area around Holland Spoor Station into a vibrant district with luxury apartments, shops, cafés and a hotel.
The Globe responds to the ambitions for urban renewal in The Hague. In Laakhaven, directly south of Hollands Spoor station, the area is undergoing a transformation into a vibrant urban district with a mix of residential, working, and amenity functions. Commissioned by Cores Development, EGM architects developed a vision for an international design competition comprising four towers on a robust urban plinth along the Waldorpstraat.
A vibrant urban boulevard
At the time of design, Waldorpstraat was dominated by closed ground floors and logistical functions. The area lacked spatial quality and urban vitality. The proposal introduces an active urban plinth with retail and hospitality functions, forming a second ground level with rooftop gardens and terraces. This strategy activates the street and transforms it into a lively urban boulevard with a diverse mix of uses and activity.
Four towers on a vibrant plinth
Four residential towers are positioned on top of the plinth, one of which includes a partial hotel function. The structural system allows for a variety of housing typologies and provides flexibility in the architectural and programmatic layout.
The tallest tower, approximately 150 metres and intended as part of The Hague’s future skyline, combines hotel and residential use. The hotel programme is located in the lower levels, with active public functions at street level and terraces on the elevated plinth. Above this are the residential apartments.
Flexible and future-oriented programme
The organisation of the lift cores and structural system enables an efficient stacking of functions. This allows the programme to be easily adapted to future needs. The diversity in housing typologies creates a mixed urban residential environment with long-term flexibility and capacity for future development.
Sustainable urban contribution
The Globe enhances the spatial quality of Laakhaven through intensification, mixed-use programming, and temporal flexibility. The design aligns with the dynamic character of the location and contributes to a vibrant and future-proof urban district around Hollands Spoor.