The Herwaert

Urban design and architectural concept

The Herwaert is located on the historic Westersingel, part of the protected cityscape of Rotterdam’s Water Project. For many years, the existing ensemble at Westersingel 18, 19 and 20 formed a discordant element within this context: due to large-scale alterations and a flattened, merged façade, the original parcel structure had become barely recognisable.

The design restores this structure by once again expressing three distinct buildings within a single ensemble. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, the project focuses on a major renovation rather than complete demolition and redevelopment. The historic architecture of the canal frontage serves as inspiration: vertical articulation, refined detailing, and a rich variety of materials form the basis for a contemporary interpretation of the historic urban wall.

A passage through the central building opens up the previously closed façade line and makes the area behind the buildings publicly accessible during the day. Designed with transparent ground-floor frontages, the passage offers views into the communal living room with its daytime café, as well as the residential and workspace entrances. From street level, visitors are drawn towards a green vista leading to the garden, pavilion, and neighbourhood park. The passage provides a safe and welcoming route for residents, visitors, and passers-by alike. Distinctive circular 3D-printed ceramic frames give the project a recognisable identity while introducing craftsmanship, material richness, and a human scale into the design.

Landscape, ecology and climate adaptation

At the rear of the ensemble lies the Herwaert Garden: an enclosed urban garden designed for social interaction, relaxation, and experiencing nature. Greenery surrounds the garden on all sides, creating a sheltered and intimate atmosphere. Green hedges define the boundaries with neighbouring properties, while transparent fencing towards the park maintains visual connections with the landscape beyond.

A central axis linking the Westersingel and the park divides the garden into two ecological zones: a higher, drier habitat and a lower, wetter habitat. Diverse planting with varying textures, colours, and scents creates a rich sensory experience throughout the seasons.

At the heart of the garden, a pavilion and pond provide places to linger and gather. The stepped edges of the pond invite visitors to sit, slow down, and enjoy the surroundings. The pavilion activates the route between the passage and the park while offering an intimate retreat within the greenery.

Sustainability and climate adaptation are fully integrated into the design. Green roofs, water retention systems, and biodiverse planting contribute to cooling, rainwater management, and ecological value within the dense urban environment.

Use and social significance

De Herwaert serves as a socio-ecological connector within the city. The project brings together a variety of functions and user groups, creating space for interaction, creativity, and everyday use. Housing is combined with maker culture, shared facilities, and daytime hospitality, resulting in a vibrant and diverse urban environment.

The informal route running through the project connects a range of places and amenities in the neighborhood, including schools, community centers, local businesses, cultural initiatives, and the Wijkpark. In this way, it creates not only a physical connection but also a social link between different user groups and parts of the city.

A key role within the project is assigned to the pavilion function: a place where creativity, craftsmanship, and social interaction come together. The passage, shared indoor spaces, and garden provide room for studios, workshops, art, and local initiatives. Culture thus becomes an integral part of the ensemble’s everyday life, giving the inner courtyard a public and lively character.

Diversity is also a central principle within the residential program. A variety of housing typologies for different target groups creates a mixed living environment in which urban living, community, and tranquility are carefully balanced.

Process and collaboration

De Herwaert is the result of an integrated design approach in which architecture, landscape, heritage, ecology, and social use have been developed in close relation from the outset. The project deliberately seeks to connect historic urban structures with contemporary forms of urban life.

By carefully building upon the existing qualities of the Westersingel while introducing new public routes, collective spaces, and green connections, the project creates a contemporary urban ensemble that not only responds to its surroundings but actively strengthens them.