In mid-2017, Rijnstraat 8 was inaugurated after a substantial renovation into 'new-style government offices' of the old headquarters of the former VROM ministry (now part of the Ministry of I&W). The number of civil servants using the building has almost doubled compared to the old situation. Since its commissioning, the building has been in the media several times in high-profile ways - mostly unfavourably. The meeting will focus on the building and current issues.

It will address the question: How is it possible that a building acclaimed by architects, which won the prestigious ARC 17 Architecture Award and was thereby named 'the best project of the year' by the professional jury, is vilified by a (limited, but conveniently exploiting publicity) number of users. Officials who, according to the media, are going 'screaming mad' about the building and say they 'can't work there'?

After a brief introduction of the ingredients that make up the new government office and working effectively in it, Rijnstraat 8 is highlighted. Questions such as 'what is being complained about and by whom, are the complainants right, to what extent are they themselves part of the problem, what are the underlying facts, what measures are being taken, lessons learned, etc' will be addressed?

The drinks will start at 18:00 and the meal will follow punctually at 19:00.

Sign up no later than 8 September by 12:00.

Further information or registration can be obtained via: kringrotterdam@kivi.nl