All rights of this project belong to Fokkema & Partners Architecten. This is used for reference only.
Photography: Lucas van der Wee

Three stories come together in this design: the history of the old Palace of Justice Den Bosch that fits seamlessly with the law firm’s identity and their desire to use the office as a place to meet each other. With modest means, the building has been given an upgrade into the 21st century. From a closed and high-security building, the old courthouse with adjoining prison has been transformed into a more transparent office with a welcoming entrance, lively corridors and attractive event rooms.

Banning Advocaten is the perfect match for this national monument dating from 1924. For centuries, the historic building has been associated with the judiciary. Located at an old city wall on the border between the city and the countryside, people have been imprisoned and tried here since French rule. Because of its history, the building fits seamlessly with Banning’s brand identity. 

How do you modernise a building and make it attractive, without major architectural interventions and with respect for its history? The project is an example of good lighting, paintwork and floor finishes making a real difference. From archive photos, the corridors have been restored to their original spacial composition. The new ceiling islands and the pattern in the oak floor follow the rhythm of the classical pilasters. In the main monumental courtroom, the floor is fitted with a parquet whose colour and laying pattern follow the historic panelling of the room.

With minimal means, the objectives have been achieved. Banning Advocaten realized a unique 'brand identity', which attracts and welcomes new people in. The renovated building has regained its former grandeur and is enlivened which the users and even Monumentenzorg Den Bosch is proud of. Watch a 3-tour with videos of the renovated building via this link, and discover all its (historical) stories.