Council Chamber, Committee Rooms and Citizen’s Hall, Arnhem City Hall
Architectural and Functional Renewal Arnhem City Hall was originally conceived as a functionalist Gesamtkunstwerk, with architecture, interior and furniture forming an inseparable whole.
Over the years, the existing interior became outdated. Changes in governance, including the introduction of a dualistic political system, required a fundamentally different meeting layout. In addition, the original furniture and fittings had become impractical, non-ergonomic and worn.
Ruud-Jan Kokke was commissioned to design the complete restoration, renovation and renewal of the spaces. His task extended beyond architectural and interior interventions to the redesign of as many elements and pieces of furniture as possible, always in dialogue with the original intentions of the building. Council Chamber Layout and Debate Design One of the most significant changes concerned the spatial organisation of the council chamber.
The original elevated position of the executive board, placed opposite the council members, was replaced by an arena-style layout. This new configuration reflects contemporary democratic principles, encouraging equality, visibility and open debate. To achieve an optimal spatial and functional arrangement, Ruud-Jan Kokke collaborated closely with debate specialist Maarten Bouwhuis, following a suggestion by the registrar.
Together, they developed a layout that supports modern political discourse while respecting the monument’s architectural character. Integration of Art Art played an essential role in both the original design by Konijnenberg and the renewed City Hall.
In the original council chamber, an artist-designed carpet was used. Continuing this tradition, Ruud-Jan Kokke invited an artist to design a new carpet. All council members were asked to submit two words, which were then passed on to artist Petra Hartman. She translated these words into a woven pattern, embedding collective political voices into a single artistic work. In keeping with Konijnenberg’s original approach, multiple artists were involved in a functional and integrated way.
Twelve artists contributed to the overall City Hall project. Some were commissioned for specific assignments, including: Carpet design by Petra Hartman Council chamber mural by Ad Gerritsen Bennisallee mural by Rosemin Hendriks Runner design by Koos van Zomeren Other works entered the building through acquisition, including pieces by Maria Roosen, Klaas Gubbels, Peter Otto, Marcel Joossen, Albert van der Weide, Gabriele Merrolli and Peter Bliek, while The People of the Labyrinths was incorporated through donation. Result The renewed interiors of Arnhem City Hall integrate architecture, furniture, art and political function into a contemporary civic environment. Original formal details, materials and functions were carefully reinterpreted, resulting in spaces that honour the monument’s history while fully supporting present-day governance and public use. "In the original council chamber, a carpet designed by an artist was used.
For that reason, I invited an artist to create a new carpet design. I asked all council members to write down two words. I passed these words on to the artist Petra Hartman and asked her to weave them into a pattern. In Konijnenberg’s original design, several artists were involved in a functional manner. Following that tradition, I involved twelve artists in the overall City Hall project. Some were commissioned for a specific assignment (carpet: Petra Hartman, council chamber mural: Ad Gerritsen, Bennisallee mural: Rosemin Hendriks, runner: Koos van Zomeren), others through acquisition (Maria Roosen, Klaas Gubbels, Peter Otto, Marcel Joossen, Albert van der Weide, Gabriele Merrolli, Peter Bliek), or through a donation (The People of the Labyrinths)."
