Town hall Tilburg

The original primary office building of the municipality of Tilburg, designed by Kraaijvanger Architects, is characterised by its composition of interconnected volumes. Each of the three volumes have specific functions and refined design variations. All these volumes are clad with polished black granite which gives the building a distinguished appearance. The shiny black colour scheme contrasts with the adjacent white palace. However, the original building is also characterised by a lack of interaction between the different floors and functions. After 45 years of intensive use, it is time for a new impulse where contemporary office concepts, sustainability and transparency are important themes.

During the redevelopment, the building was stripped completely and rebuilt to meet current day requirements. The design for the New Tilburg Town Hall builds on the characteristics and design principles of the original design. The building retains its familiar and characteristic composition of interconnected volumes but is almost entirely new at the same time.

The ‘Backbone’ forms a transparent, modern but timeless addition to the existing composition. This addition is made up of a series of 12-meter-high steel ribs that bring light and air into the building. The ‘Backbone’ is the new meeting place of the building. It is the link between the various functions and connects the Palace with the new Town Hall in a monumental yet simple way. The ‘Backbone’ also links the City Hall to the city; it is the link between community and municipality.

Located on Stadshuisplein, opposite the secondary municipal office building, a large overhang combined with wide stairs leads visitors to the entrance of the Town Hall. Almost immediately you arrive in the ‘Backbone’ where guests are welcomed and where people meet in a work-café. In addition, the ‘Backbone’ offers direct access to the conference centre on the ground floor and first floor. An impressive open staircase leads to the new council chamber. This room manifests as a warm wooden room within the black granite building and has a large window with a view on the city. As a result, debates in the political arena can be perceived from the city.

The offices for the Mayor & Aldermen are clustered and located on the first floor. These benefit from the recessed floor-to-ceiling windows that separate the tower from the two volumes below. As a result, these offices have a more special appearance, also because of their roof garden access.

All other offices are housed in the highest volume. An open core with elevators, stairs and facilities connects all the offices floors with each other. The extraordinary cantilevering concrete structure of the high-rise volume makes it possible to create open plan offices. These offices optimally benefit from daylight and all-round views. In the central zone of each floor there are areas dedicated for informal meeting. The more private work and meeting areas can also be found in this zone.

With the redeveloped building, Tilburg will get a contemporary, transparent and sustainable Town Hall that encourages interaction and does justice to its cultural and historical heritage.