Mecanoo has been selected by the Municipality of Emmen and Facet to design the transformation of the prominent building at Mondriaanplein into a new cultural hub for the city. The project marks an important step in the ongoing renewal of Emmen’s town centre and will create an open, welcoming place for culture, learning and community life.
The new Facet building is envisioned as a vibrant destination where residents, visitors and local organisations can come together to read, learn, meet and participate in cultural activities. Accessibility, flexibility, sustainability and social interaction are central to the brief and will guide the design process.
Located in the heart of Emmen, the renewed building will contribute to a lively and inclusive city centre while giving the existing structure a meaningful new purpose.
Arne Lijbers, Partner and Architect at Mecanoo, sees great potential in the site: “The building has a remarkable history and occupies a prominent position in the heart of Emmen. These qualities offer tremendous potential for the future. Our design builds on the strong characteristics of the existing building, including its distinctive roofline, broad external staircase and expressive lift tower rising above the roof. We will preserve and strengthen these elements while introducing new, sometimes unexpected, features. Together, they will give Facet a contemporary identity as a cultural centre: vibrant, creative and open to everyone.”
The transformation of Facet forms part of the wider redevelopment of the area between Markt and Weiert, strengthening the mix of culture, public amenities, retail and housing in the city centre. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.