From ambition to a clear vision: approved preliminary design for House of Culture and Administration

This week, our preliminary design for the House of Culture and Administration has been officially approved by the municipality of Eemsdelta. More than just a building, this design is a reflection of Eemsdelta itself – shaped by listening to the residents and cultural partners. Benthem Crouwel Architects, in collaboration with Snøhetta, present a destination at Molenbergplein that connects a theatre, library, and city hall under one undulating roof.

“A building that moves with its surroundings, like a sailing ship – elegant yet robust, protective, built to withstand the test of time. Its roofline scales from human-scale intimacy to spacious heights; a landmark crafted for Eemsdelta, Delfzijl and generations to make their own.”
— Saartje van der Made, architect and partner

The building opens itself to the city through an inviting façade. From afar, it reads as a unified movement; up close, the façade becomes layered – welcoming the public into open spaces while maintaining privacy in more secluded zones. Inside, the layout flows from intimate spaces to larger areas to meet. At the heart of the building, a welcoming library brings together the diverse functions.

The theatre is designed for a wide range of performances, featuring a 550-seat main theatre, a more intimate 180-seat space, and a dedicated film theatre, welcoming both international artists and local talent. The city hall integrates municipal functions with a community square, offices across multiple floors, and a council room overlooking the historic Molenbergplein mill.

We are thrilled to move into the next phase, refining the details of this new landmark.