ARCHITECTUURGIDS.NL / ARCHITECTUREGUIDE.NL

REGISTRATION CENTRE TER APEL

GEURST & SCHULZE, 1999-2001, Ter Apelervenen 3, Ter Apel

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Geurst & Schulze

PROJECT ARCHITECT:
Jeroen Geurst
Leo Oorschot

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Jeroen Geurst
Rens Schulze

BUILDING TYPE:
Special accommodation

This registration centre was where asylum seekers applying for a residence permit for the Netherlands were first interviewed. The centre combined an existing building containing the management department with a new portion where the asylum seekers could live for several days and where the hearings and investigations were held. The two are linked by a tapering corridor. The new part has a square plan with four internal courtyards. Despite the necessary security precautions and strategies of separation, the interior steers clear of an atmosphere of incarceration through its well-groomed finish and the daylight entering through roof lights. In tune with the Dutch change of policy on refugees the building now serves as a departure centre.