NL Architects (Amsterdam) designed the Forum Building. Their design was selected in 2007 by city residents and a professional jury out of seven designs by international architectural firms.
Deon PrinceDeon Prince
With its sharp lines, the striking building stands out against the historic city centre like a modern monolith. The building is 45 meters high and has ten floors and a rooftop terrace. The building consists of two 'towers', a West and an East tower, which are connected by escalators that run criss-cross through the building.
Deon Prince(c) Knelis
Both towers have closed and open areas. In the closed areas you'll find the exhibition halls, the cinema theatres, the multifunctional hall and Storyworld. An entrance fee is charged for activities that take place in these areas. The open areas on both sides of the atrium are freely accessible.
(c) Knelis(c) Knelis(c) Knelis
The Forum's interior has been designed by various parties. Architect collective deMunnik-deJong-Steinhauser designed the public gallery, the library collection areas, Wonderland, the Medialab and the Smartlab. &Prast&Hooft signed up for the cinema theatres, the foyer and the Camera Café. Storyworld was designed by NorthernLight. And last but not least, NL Architects are responsible for the design of the entrance hall, the exhibition halls, the multifunctional hall and the offices.
Customised sliding door systems for inclined façades at Forum Groningen
Forum Groningen is a striking architectural masterpiece and has been named “Building of the Year 2020” by the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA). The 45m-tall building catches the eye with unconventional angles and an asymmetrical façade with various slanted faces. However, the highly unusual building design presented particular challenges for window, door and building-control technologies. We were able to supply unique, customised door systems that blend in perfectly with the look of the inclined façades of this exceptional piece of architecture. Our door systems also ensure access convenience, safety and energy efficiency.
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Forum Groningen: Award-winning architecture with customised GEZE door systems
Forum Groningen is situated at the heart of the historic city centre. This spectacular new building offers space for various cultural activities and can accommodate some 1.6 million visitors per year.
The extravagant building design, created by architectural firm NLArchitecten, won acclaim both in the Netherlands and internationally and has received numerous awards. The particular highlight was being named Building of the Year 2020 by the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects (BNA).
The inclined angle of the façade meant that a standard sliding door system could not be installed at the entrances. However, we found a unique solution to this challenge in the form of the GEZE Slimdrive SL inclined. Our automatic linear sliding door system is specifically designed for use with inclined glass façades at an angle of up to 9.9° . Even greater angles can also be accommodated upon request.
The building’s inclined façade meant that a special solution was required: the GEZE Slimdrive SL inclined.
Slimdrive SL for inclined glass façades impresses in many respects
Can accommodate any degree of façade inclination (up to 9.9° – larger angles can be accommodated upon request)
Low height of only 7 cm
Includes integrated infra-red movement detector
Ultra-smooth, low-wear DC drive system
Integrated battery for emergency opening in case of safety-related faults, e.g. power loss
Continuous stainless steel floor guide
Reduced maintenance requirements thanks to self-cleaning roller carriage
Did you know? The Slimdrive SL linear sliding door system can be connected via CAN bus and thus integrated in building technology management systems. This also makes it possible to create smart façades.
Safe and secure entrance: GEZE door systems combine effectively
GEZE door systems enable visitors to access Forum Groningen safely. At the building’s impressive main entrance, the inclined outer entrance door is followed by a second sliding door fitted with the Slimdrive SL-RC2. This provides enhanced protection against break-ins thanks to its rod lock and reinforced profile components. The rod lock secures the door in “Night” mode, which guarantees certified break-in resistance in accordance with resistance class RC2.
GEZE is one of the world's leading companies for products, system solutions and comprehensive service for doors and windows. The specialist for innovative and modern door and window technology has been using its thorough industry and professional expertise to achieve outstanding results that make buildings more liveable for over 160 years. GEZE employs about 3,500 people worldwide. GEZE develops and manufactures products at our headquarters in Leonberg. The company has additional production sites in China, Serbia and Turkey. With 37 subsidiaries all over the world and 6 branch offices in Germany, GEZE offers outstanding proximity to our customers and excellent service.
Meeting room with curved glass partition walls of QbiQ at Forum Groningen. Here we placed a single sheet glass wall in a 100mm thick profile. An beige red foil is applied to the glass after installation the wall.
Hans Morren
Inside a meeting room at Forum Groningen. Here we placed a single sheet glass wall in a 100mm thick profile. An beige red foil is applied to the glass after installation the wall.
A ‘partition wall system’ has the ring of a standard, off‑the‑shelf solution from the last century. ‘Standard’ is probably the last thing you want for your creative and tech staff’s workspaces. You’re more likely to be looking for rooms that are pleasant to work in and office spaces that reflect exactly what your organization stands for. At QbiQ, we understand this implicitly… we start by putting ourselves in your shoes, and helping you explore the possibilities and come up with the right solution. We’ll be at your side with the expertise and experience to create the spatial experience you’ve envisaged – smart spaces for discerning clients.
The most aesthetic solutions conceivable
QbiQ’s glass wall and partition wall solutions are unique in terms of their beauty, transparency and flexibility. You can use them anywhere, and partition and connect spaces as easily as with traditional partition wall systems. Our systems also comply with the most stringent sound transmission standards. At QbiQ, we cut, grind and transport all our glass ourselves, allowing for incredibly fast and flexible delivery times.
The Groninger Forum, located behind the Grote Markt in Groningen, will be a meeting place for curious people, full of exhibitions, films, (literary) events, talk shows, various restaurants, the VVV and the new Dutch Comic Strip Museum. On the top floor there will be a sky lounge with restaurant, a roof terrace with open-air cinema and fantastic views of the city. A spacious parking garage for cars and bicycles will be built under the Groninger Forum.
Furniture and lighting for contract interiors. Made in the Netherlands, enjoyed worldwide. Bogaerts designs and produces furniture and lighting for professional interiors. With customised options we are able to create the right look and feel for any space, whether it's a home, store or office. With our designs we strive for a balance between elegance and functionality. Quality and sustainability are of paramount importance: our products must last a lifetime.
