a contemporary building, flexible and adaptable in time and programme
projectThe Yp
Duration2006 – 2013
LocationThe Hague
ClientPolitie Haaglanden
Size34.400 m²
The desire to centralise and converge into a location, which would be future proof regarding flexibility, resulted in the formulation of an assignment from the Police Cluster Haaglanden for a multi-functional police cluster. Thus, the key words are centralisation and flexibility.




The Police Cluster Haaglanden has about 4.000 employees. The dynamic nature of a police officer makes for a continuous dialogue, aimed at current topicalities and innovation. The multifunctional character makes the Yp a central meeting place within the region. Later, as requested by the Safety Region, the control room was added to the programme.
Splitting the programme in generic and specific components creates the opportunity for designing a flexible and adaptable building in time and programme. The generic component is extremely flexible in its layout. The specific component is dismountable and adaptable. Sustainability is hereby directly linked to current developments.


The project includes the urban design, the architecture and the interior up to the product design. Each scale level has its own programme, legislation and people involved. A special experience during seven intensive years.
The multi-functional character does not only manifest itself in the broad palette of functions, but also in the possibilities for transformation within the designed structure.