New council chamber Heerhugowaard in use
20 Apr 2017
The new council chamber of the municipality of Heerhugowaard was officially inaugurated on 18 April.
Not only has the council chamber been redesigned, but a new way of meeting has also been introduced. In the new situation, the councilors sit opposite each other in two groups according to the "lower house model". Incidentally, not divided into college parties versus opposition parties.
Council members can speak by means of three interruption microphones, whereby they have to move forward from their seats. A situation comparable to the discussions in the plenary room of the House of Representatives.
The large video wall present offers the possibility to visually support topics and discussions. The new layout also offers more space to the public gallery. It can easily be expanded if necessary. The room is also easy to adapt to other situations, and can therefore also be used for other organizations.
The open connection to the rest of the town hall is also new. The wall to the courtyard has been removed and there is an open connection without doors to the foyer of the town hall. Partly because of this, the public space has become more cozy and attractive. This was also one of the wishes from the municipality, which Breddels Architecten has included in the design.
