DAE alumnus Hella Jongerius and DAE professor Louise Schouwenberg redesign one of the most prestigious spaces in the United Nations headquarters. This Delegates’ Lounge project supported by the Dutch government gives the Dutch creative industry an economic boost and further increase the international reputation of Dutch design, architecture and art.
The Delegates’ Lounge is prominently located near the General Assembly’s main plenary hall and has a view of the East River. The room is used as a meeting place for thousands of policymakers and diplomats from the 192 UN member states.
Four designers were asked to create a designteam and subsequently each team was asked to submit a design for the Delegates’ Lounge. The winning designteam was compiled by DAE alumnus Hella Jongerius. Apart from Jongerius the team consists of Rem Koolhaas/OMA (architect), Irma Boom (graphic designer), Gabriel Lester (artist) and DAE professor Louise Schouwenberg (theorist). In its report, the committee praised the way the team’ plan centres on the original 1950s design of the Delegates’ Lounge and, in particular, the way in which it ‘combines a thorough architectural overhaul with a subtle use of materials and furnishings’. The renovation must be completed by the end of 2012.
The entire UN headquarters is currently undergoing an extensive renovation. It was originally completed in 1952 and financed in part by donations from the member states. The UN is now continuing that tradition and has asked member states to adopt spaces, in return for which they may provide the renovation design. The Netherlands is contributing 3 million dollars. By adopting the Delegates’ Lounge, the Dutch government aims to put the Dutch creative industry in the international spotlight.