Waterfront Harderwijk

Harderwijk is a remarkable fishing village that once stood on the shores of the vast Zuiderzee, protected from the water and other threats by high city walls. Over the course of the 20th century, this historic town was cut off from the water by a theme park (Dolfinarium) and an industrial area.
Traffic and parking problems caused by the large number of visitors to the Dolfinarium, an outdated and polluted industrial area on the edge of the city centre, and an unpleasant living environment and connection to the water. That was the situation in the 1990s in the city centre of Harderwijk.

With the development of the Waterfront, the relationship between the city and the water is being restored. Commercial activity and industry have given way to residential living (1,900 homes), shopping, and recreation—on and around the water. Harderwijk has regained its central focus on and location by the water.

Its location—between the Veluwe and the Wolderwijd—has become no less unique since the Flevoland land reclamation projects. This green-and-blue positioning is strongly reflected in the new neighbourhood, which is permeated by canals and green spaces. With a new marina, a visitor harbour, a city beach, retail, hospitality and recreational facilities along the renovated boulevard, it captures the essence of the Zuiderzee. Two parking garages positioned at the edges provide parking for tourists, downtown residents, and visitors to the Dolfinarium, facilitating a car-free public space.

‘Waterstadboulevard’ is the long connecting axis within the planning area that originates from the historic connection between the city centre and the waterfront. This green promenade, lined with lime trees, connects all components of the plan. The newly created islands have been shaped into elongated isthmuses, perpendicular to the curve. This enhances the perception of the curve in the spatial experience. The curved promenade runs from the Beach Island, via the boulevard near the city center and the Dolfinarium, past the centrally located park, across the Waterfront Boulevard, and along the beacons to the marina. Together with a few distinctive buildings, this creates a strong sequence that pleasantly divides the promenade into recognizable sections. The Beach Island is a vibrant spot for the entire city, featuring a spacious beach, a proper beach pavilion, and an adventurous play hill. A plaza in front of the Vischpoort connects the boulevard to the historic city centre. Five new, identical drawbridges connect the old city to the islands across the newly dug waterway.

The residential areas within the planning area have distinct identities that reflect their location and the history of the site. In the Veluwemeer, there are residential islands with a village-like character. Along the Provincial Road are rugged blocks with a character that references the industrial past. The character of the public space reflects the diverse residential environments. The residential environments with an industrial character feature public spaces with wide profiles offering views of the water, rugged materials, historical elements such as cranes, and expansive green areas.

In terms of architecture and public space structure, the residential islands align with the scale and character of historic Harderwijk. Here, children play in the street and neighbours meet. The streets are narrow and free of parked cars. The sidewalks are at street level. The streets are lined with small green front gardens where residents sit in the sun. Cars are parked out of sight in parking courtyards. Sheltered green courtyards and parking courtyards alternate. The sheltered courtyards are designed as meeting places and play areas for young children. The architecture contributes to the quality of the courtyards. Here, single-story houses with pitched roofs without private gardens, featuring staggered building lines, are situated directly on the courtyard. The larger public spaces are located along the waterfront. The public waterfront areas at the tips of the islands, together with the yet-to-be-realized Waterfront Park, provide space for sports and recreation.

By creating an integrated design that brings together the intersections of diverse disciplines, an effective plan has emerged that combines the unique location between the Veluwe and the Wolderwijk with the authentic Zuiderzee atmosphere.

Client: Synchroon, Boskalis
Together with: Dok, Vera Yanovshtchinsky, Mulleners+Mulleners, Soeters van Eldonk

52.35224073456966, 5.618946485400855