Glass and history – urban layers along the railway in The Hague by Robert Jan Smit

Along the railway zone of The Hague, an urban landscape unfolds in which different layers of time coexist. On the left is The Globe, a modern office building with rounded shapes and a glass and aluminium façade. The building reflects its surroundings and constantly responds to light and movement, making the city itself part of the image.
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On the right, part of the former main post office on Waldorpstraat is visible. For decades, this large-scale complex played an important role in the city's postal and communications infrastructure. Its architecture is functional and robust, designed for logistics and continuous use, and forms a clear contrast to the expressive design language of the modern office building next door.
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After the departure of the PTT, the area around Hollands Spoor underwent a radical transformation. The former post office has been repurposed and is now part of a mixed urban programme with offices, education and other facilities. The exact functions have changed, but the building remains recognisable as a bearer of urban history.
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This photograph captures the tension between old and new, between closed mass and open reflection. The curved lines of glass contrasting with the sleek, rhythmic façade structure tell a story of adaptation and continuity. A powerful architectural image that fits in both modern interiors and spaces where the city and its history take centre stage.