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During the tenth Documenta in Kassel (1997), the British-German artist duo Hertzsch&Page attracted attention with a public building for 'business and pleasure'. Visitors to the world's largest art event were free to enter the 'Executive Box' to make appointments, conduct negotiations, hold meetings, for private purposes or just out of curiosity or for fun. The multifunctional building caught the attention of the international art world. You can guess the consequences. A flood of commissions followed to design similar functional, semi functional or functionless buildings. Also near the Voldersgracht (behind the HEMA) a striking high-tech building 'arose' that is typical of the inventiveness of the duo Hertzsch&Page. It is the first permanent parking facility realised as part of the Fiets&Stal project.

Instead of building a new guard house, Eva Hertzsch and Adam Page chose to upgrade the existing Biesieklette container. A remarkable facelift was carried out using silver-grey sheets. Both inside and out, the guard unit has been fitted with sophisticated-looking attributes. On the roof there is a fake satellite receiver and security cameras that 'spy' on the public. Inside, monitors and a grey control panel reinforce the impression that Big Brother is watching everywhere. At least, that suggestion is made by the Hertzsch&Page waiting room.

Reality is less grim than the sophisticated spy equipment would suggest. This reassuring observation is typical of visual art in which everything is often different from what it seems. The 'nature and layout' of the house are more friendly than its exterior suggests. Comfortable leather armchairs have even been placed inside especially for the guards of the storage facility.

More or less in passing, Hertzsch&Page give a nod to the city of The Hague, which considers the concept of 'upgrading' to be of paramount importance in its renovation projects.