Hertzsch&Page

Location: Voldersgracht

On Voldersgracht, behind the HEMA, stands a striking, high-tech little building by the British-German artist duo Hertzsch&Page. It is the first “permanent” storage facility of the Fiets&Stal project. Instead of building a new guardhouse, Eva Hertzsch and Adam Page chose to 'upgrade' the existing Biesieklette container by covering it with shiny, silver-gray sheets. Both inside and out, the unit features sophisticated-looking props. On the roof are a fake satellite receiver and security cameras that “spy” on the public. Especially for the guards of the stall, the cottage is equipped with extremely comfortable, leather armchairs.

With their approach, Hertzsch&Page make a nod to the city of The Hague. On their first visit to the residence, they noted that “upgrading” has become a winged word in the renewal of the city. The most prominent example is the way Michael Graves provided a ministry building with new facades and roofs. The 'upgrade' stalling Hertzsch&Page is therefore entirely in style. Everything looks 'like new' again.