Worldwide architectural design competition for the ICC’s new premises launched today

"The ICC and the host State of The Netherlands share the conviction that the new purpose built premises should provide suitable working conditions, functionality and security..."

(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 06, 2008 ) The Hague -- A worldwide architectural design competition for the construction of the International Criminal Court’s permanent premises was launched today. The aim of this unique project, organised by the Chief Government Architect of The Netherlands, is to select the best architect and design that will be realised in the construction of the new building on a prime site covering over 72,000 m², bordering the North Sea dunes and The Hague.

The ICC and the host State of The Netherlands share the conviction that the new purpose built premises should provide suitable working conditions, functionality and security, whilst fulfilling an ecological remit. Within the premises, up to 1,200 workstations, courtrooms, and various ancillary facilities will have to be provided with a total gross floor space of up to 46,000 m². Furthermore, parking facilities as well as plans for further expansion for up to 300 workstations are foreseen. Therefore, the spatial and functional design should take into account the need for long-term flexibility.

To ensure anonymity and for technical purposes, the working language for the competition will be English. All candidates wishing to apply for submission should do so before the deadline, from which up to 20 participants will be chosen. The competition brief will then be sent to those selected in May 2008. Each contributor that submits a design concept in-line with the requirements laid down in the brief shall receive a fee of € 35.000. The three prize winners will be chosen from this group.

The competition time schedule is:

Deadline for entry submission 1 April 2008
Selection of participants 16 May 2008
Brief received, design and proposal submitted May until August 2008
Designs evaluated and prize-winners chosen 30/31 October 2008
The jury will award three prizes for the best designs:

1st prize: € 60.000
2nd prize: € 50.000
3rd prize: € 40.000


International Criminal Court (ICC)
The International Criminal Court was founded in 2002 when the Rome Statute, adopted in 1998, came into force. Currently, 105 countries have become parties to this International Treaty. The ICC is an independent and permanent court that prosecutes those accused of the most serious crimes of international concern: genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The establishment of this Court is a milestone in the development of international justice.