Wijklokaal is an interior project for a community centre in The Hague, commissioned by BRS Den Haag and designed by Studio Nina van Bart and Willem van Doorn. The assignment was to create an environment that feels warm, energetic, and welcoming for everyone, from children to elderly visitors. The interior is based on a flexible concept that supports a wide range of community activities. The project is realised with approximately 80% second-hand materials, creatively upcycled through colour and finishing, resulting in a soft yet vivid colour palette that defines the character of the space.
Approximately 80% of the interior consists of second-hand or reused materials. The project was realised in collaboration with a network of suppliers specialising in second-hand materials and furniture. Surplus tempered glass panels with folds and irregular dimensions, sourced from a glass manufacturer, were integrated into custom wooden panelling to create a cohesive appearance. In the toilet area, second-hand terrazzo façade panels were reused for both wall cladding and flooring. Existing shelving systems and table frames were refurbished and combined with new surfaces.
A soft and vivid colour scheme of pastel blue, butter yellow yellow, peach orange complemented by energetic orange and deep blue accents, gives the space an open, friendly, and uplifting character.
The combination of reused elements, sustainable or easily recyclable finishes and carefully considered colour choices results in a distinctive and adaptable interior that reinforces Wijklokaal’s role as an welcoming, inclusive and dynamic community space.
“Colour, material, and finishing give second-hand materials a distinct and characterful identity.”
The layout is fully accessible, including for people with limited mobility, and features a flexible, modular setup that supports a diverse community programme, from rotating exhibitions, talks, and workshops to free soup days and neighbourhood meetings. The large table can be rearranged into smaller configurations, a curtain allows for division or privacy, and a glass wall creates a semi-private area for consultations.
