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The International Criminal Court, The Hague, The Netherlands
Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
A Democratic Institution
The design of the International Criminal Court in The Hague communicates trust, hope and–most importantly–faith in justice and fairness. It is important that a formal institution like the ICC does not constitute barriers for people, but instead expresses the very essence of democratic architecture.
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ICC is the permanent premises of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, The Netherlands.
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The building is designed as a sculptural abstraction, – a composition of six volumes, firmly anchored to the site and rising from the surrounding dune landscape.
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By designing a compact building with a small footprint, the landscape is returned to the city so that the open spaces, sky, and horizon become an integrated part of the architectural composition.
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The entrance is enriched with a wooden sculpture by Danish artist Eske Rex. The piece blends with the lightness and simplicity of the architectural design, creating a distinctive Danish imprint.
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Inside, wide courtrooms fulfill ICC's mandate in the fight against impunity for perpetrators of the most heinous crimes. The building also has rooms for journalists and relatives following cases on-site, underscoring the trust and the transparency this court building requires.
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With flowers and plants representing more than 120 member countries, the parterre garden is a symbol of unity across nationalities and cultures.
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The building is a courageous ambassador for the credibility and values of the ICC.