!VAR HAGENDOORN

Building: Souterrain Tram Tunnel

Location: The Hague

Architect: OMA/Rem Koolhaas

Year of completion: 2004

Comments: After several years of delays and a doubling of construction costs (estimated $ 150 million; actual about $ 300 million) in 2004 the tram tunnel and underground car park finally opened in October 2004. As Rem Koolhaas already wrote in SMLXL there is some irony in that having failed to get the commission after winning the competition for the City Hall OMA was asked to design this underground tram tunnel and parking space. It is interesting to see a project that was designed in the early 90s now realized. I think it says something about the strength of the design that it still looks fresh and daring. It is actually much nicer below than above ground level and if you're in The Hague be sure to have a look. The wood and the dramatic lighting make for a very pleasant atmosphere. The walls with their rough concrete look like those of a cave. Rem Koolhaas also understands the needs of a photographer and there are posts and edges everywhere to put your camera on. Unfortunately when in 2006 I went there with my new camera I wasn't allowed to take photos and security escorted me out of the tunnel. They claimed it isn't public but private property.

Tags: Architecture | Oma | Rem Koolhaas | The Hague