The Association of Dutch Architects selected the cultural hub from a nine building shortlist
Translated by Thomas Ansell
The Forum Groningen was named the best new building in the Netherlands for 2020 on Thursday by the Branchvereniging Nederlandse Architectenbueraus (BNA), reports the GIC. The Forum was given the prize due to its cultural and societal impact, with the public prize going to the DOMUSDELA complex in Eindhoven.
Nine other buildings were named in the shortlist, but the Forum impressed the expert jury the most. “It’s amazing how the architects were able to land this colossus behind the Grote Markt, and made the most of the available room”, said jury Chair Neelie Kroes.
“Still more amazing is the building itself, which is in stark contrast to its surroundings, but also fits in with the city as a whole. Over everything else we were impressed by the inside of the Forum, where students hang out next to bookshelves, children play, and families can have a whole day out. It’s a building with enormous pulling power and provides great quality of experience- and enriches the city as an icon, a cultural warehouse, panoramic view-point; and as a ‘city living room’”.
Wethouder Paul de Rook was especially happy that the result came from a design chosen by city-dwellers themselves (by NL Architects). This isn’t the only award that the Forum has won this year, having been given a Dutch Design Award, and in September having been named the Best Building in Groningen. It is likely that the Forum will soon also be named the best Dutch library, as well.
Image via the Forum Groningen
