In the new centre to be built in the residential district of Stadshagen, the “Cultuurhuis” cultural centre is situated at a prominent and highly visible location at an intersection of differing landscape structures: jutting out into the reed area and at the edge of the Stadspark. Alongside the Cultuurhuis runs a route for slow traffic that connects the centre with the district on the other side of the water with a bridge.

The Cultuurhuis in Zwolle comprises all cultural (public) functions for the Stadshagen expansion zone with ultimately 10,000 residents. It is an obvious meeting point at the heart of the district. It contains amenities such as a library, the music school, a creative centre, the information centre, the crèche, local council services, but also more informal functions: the hall is fitted out such that exhibitions can be organized here, but also so that one part can be partitioned off to permit simple presentations. There are rooms incorporated for youth events, for the editors of the district newspaper, local clubs and societies etc.

Its particularly compact build and the use of ‘low-tech’ systems make the building sustainable. Because there are no suspended ceilings installed, the concrete structure can be used for cooling at night (by natural ventilation along the fanlights). This means that no separate cooling system is needed in the building. Little electrical lighting is required thanks to the abundant daylight. Apart from window-cleaning, the façade is practically maintenance-free.

The flexibility of the building has already been more than proven by the changes in the spaces occupied by the various users that took place during construction and thereafter. The building is over-dimensioned because extra office space was added. This can temporarily be rented out commercially, but over time can then be used for the (growth in) cultural users.

Year: 2007
Client: BPF Bouwinvest, Amsterdam
Size: 4.870 m² (GFA)