Snøhetta is part of the design team for the House of Culture and Administration in the historic city of Delfzijl
The Municipality of Eemsdelta has selected Snøhetta and renowned Dutch firm, Benthem Crouwel Architects, to design the new House of Culture and Administration, a project that aims to give the historic Dutch city of Delfzijl an iconic new public, cultural gathering place.
Councilor and Alderman in the municipality of Eemsdelta, Annalies Usmany-Dallinga, calls the collaboration between two firms the perfect design partnership to realize the new House of Culture and Administration in Eemsdelta. She explains that the road to this selection was carefully paved:
"We've just completed an intensive and thoughtful tendering process. In the end, four firms presented their visions to a selection committee of representatives from the municipal council, administration, the theater, the library, and our civil service organization. With Benthem Crouwel Architects and Snøhetta, we've chosen a team capable of designing the iconic building we've all been looking forward to. They have a unique ability to bring the building's different functions together in a natural and harmonious way."
Our shared vision for this project is grounded in values that see architecture not just as an object but as a catalyst for human connection and social vitality, where people come first. We see an opportunity to co-create a building that brings Delfzijl’s unique vibrancy and spirit to the forefront. This is as much a win for architecture itself as it is for Snøhetta and Benthem Crouwel—a testament to how design can reflect identity, foster connection, and support the communities it serves. Together with the municipality, we look forward to shaping a building and a hopeful and meaningful future.
Kathleen Cayetano Snøhetta Senior Architect and Project Lead
Dynamic duo
Benthem Crouwel Architects is known for designing innovative, flexible, and efficient buildings at every scale—from universities, museums, music venues, and transit hubs to offices, bridges, homes, bike tunnels, and tiny houses. Rotterdam Central Station, Schiphol Airport, the Stedelijk Museum, and Amsterdam's North/South Metro Line are among their best-known projects. The House of Culture and Administration design aims to create a timeless building deeply rooted in Delfzijl's history and maritime character.
“We're designing a building that breathes with the rhythm of Eemsdelta—like the coastal landscape: layered, fluid, and always in motion. It is not a collection of separate functions but a unified whole where the library, theater, and city hall flow seamlessly into each other. A place where formal and informal meet, where you might step in for a moment—or stay for hours. Where space shifts in meaning depending on the time of day, the light, and how it's used. It's a house that doesn't dictate but supports. Open, welcoming, and rooted in the community," says Saartje van der Made, Architect and Partner, Benthem Crouwel Architects.
A complete team
A multidisciplinary team has been assembled for the project. In addition to the two architectural firms, the Municipality of Eemsdelta is partnering with DGMR and Huisman & Van Muijen, who will act as equal advisors in building physics, fire safety, and systems design.
In the early design phase, DGMR will lead the effort to create a building with minimal energy demand. From there, Huisman & Van Muijen will develop an efficient technical systems concept that aligns with the building's energy performance goals.
Structural engineering firm Buro Happold—an international consultancy of engineers, designers, and advisors—will work closely with the design team on the building's construction. PBTA Theater & Acoustics Consultants has been brought on board to advise on theater design and acoustic quality to ensure an unforgettable experience for both visitors and performers.
Alongside Snøhetta and Benthem Crouwel Architects, this diverse team will ensure the House of Culture and Administration is visually and functionally outstanding and forward-thinking in its technical and environmental performance. Construction cost advisor Vitruvius will monitor costs throughout the design process to ensure the project remains within budget.
Community Participation
With the design team in place, a new phase begins—one in which local residents will play a vital role. Several public engagement moments will be organized throughout the concept phase, inviting community members to share their ideas and perspectives.
Through local participation and community engagement, the team will be able to identify what matters most to the community in their new House of Culture and Administration.
More updates will follow as the project progresses to the next stages.