Blue Heliotrope

The design of the façade of the Ministry of Finance in the Hague is a showcase for all Dutch governmental buildings that need to be energy neutral by 2050. It demonstrates how PV panels can be integrated aesthetically and circular into our existing building stock.

The image of PV as dark blue oversized panels mounted on roofs, is turned around by the subtly moving printed façade elements that supply solar energy.

Heliotropy, the natural phenomenon where flowers turn towards the sun, has been the main inspiration of the design. The sun that moves around the building activates the north east façade in the early morning. The panels on this façade trace the sun by turning around their own axis, until the sun arrives subsequently at the south east façade. This results in a subtle interplay between the facades that change their composition to assure the maximum energy yield at any time.

The distinct glass tower next to the Malieveld will be covered in detachable transparent organic solar cells, creating an almost sacred experience from within.
At night time the tower will be illuminated by integrated LED lines that highlight the distinct brutalist structure dating back to 1975.

Project as part of the Young Innovator Programme 2019 Rijksvastgoedbedrijf.
Studio Brighter Tomorrow has been responsible for the architectural concept commissioned by Studio Marjan van Aubel.