Petition – SAVE SOZA !

We are reaching out to share an urgent petition concerning the future of SOZA, a significant example of post-war modernist architecture and an important part of our architectural heritage.

“The former Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment building complex in The Hague, SoZa, was designed by Herman Hertzberger in 1979, and was in use as a government building from 1990 to 2016. SoZa is internationally recognised as an icon of Structuralist architecture, with its visionary design already accounting for future uses. In a time when very few spoke of sustainability and circularity, this is a pioneering example of sustainability ahead of its time!” (petition text, 2024)

SOZA will begin to be demolished this summer, starting on 16 June. The owner has already informed the tenants and submitted the demolition notification to the Municipality of The Hague. Time is running out, but together we can still make a difference.

We believe that preserving and transforming existing structures should be prioritised over demolition, and SOZA represents exactly such an opportunity. It demonstrates how architectural heritage can continue to serve contemporary needs while retaining its historical and spatial identity.

This petition calls for a reconsideration of the current plans and advocates for a renovation-first approach that respects the architectural integrity, embodied carbon, and architectural value of the building. By supporting this initiative, we can help set a precedent in which heritage communities are heard, future generations are considered, and international commitments to sustainability and cultural preservation are taken seriously.

Please join our community in a final effort to prevent the demolition works scheduled to begin this summer !

You can find the full petition text via this link or directly sign the petition HERE