Work starts on Jean Nouvel-designed European Patent Office in the Netherlands [slideshow]

Construction on the European Patent Office building in Rijswijk, the Netherlands, started last week with a foundation-stone laying ceremony.

The building was co-designed by architects Jean Nouvel, based in Paris, and Diederik Dam, based in Amsterdam.

With around 80,000 sm and a budget of €205 million self-financed by the EPO, it will be one of the biggest office construction sites ever in the Netherlands until its completion in 2017.

The design is a tall steel building with a double glass facade, about 100 meters high and 150 meters long. The glass facade will be reflected in a landscaped pond. It will be a bold example of contemporary architecture, symbolising the EPO’s mission to foster innovation in Europe, according to the agency. 

For more information, visit the EPO’s official website.

All renderings below courtesy Ateliers Jean Nouvel, Dam & Partners, and EPO.