As a permanent judicial institution, the ICC requires functional permanent premises to enable the Court to discharge its duties effectively and to reflect the significance of the Court in the fight against impunity. In December 2007 the Assembly of States Parties decided that the ICC should be provided with newly built permanent premises. The aim of the project is to construct permanent premises f
or the ICC on a prime site. The new Court will be situated between the natural rolling dunes landscape and the edge of The Hague on the site of the Alexanderkazerne (Alexander Barracks) on the van Alkemadelaan/Oude Waalsdorperweg. The Alexanderkazerne site is an ideal location since it is situated close to the detention centre and to major roads. The site is part of the International Zone of The Hague which also contains the Peace Palace, Europol, ICTY, OPCW and The Hague World Forum. The host State (The Netherlands) will make the construction site available free of charge and has provided a loan to finance the construction. In addition, the host State organised and financed the architectural design competition which started at the end of 2008. Three winning architects were chosen by an international jury from a total of 171 applicants. The Danish firm of architects, schmidt hammer lassen was ultimately selected to design the new premises since its design met all the ICC criteria, such as design, sustainability, functionality and costs. Construction started in 2013 and will be completed towards the end of 2015, when the premises will be ready for use.
