De Zwarte Hond was founded 40 years ago in Groningen and has evolved from an established architectural practice into a multidisciplinary studio with more than 120 people. With offices in the Netherlands and Germany, the firm combines social commitment with high-quality architectural and urban design projects. Going beyond mere architecture and urbanism by taking responsibility for the quality of the built environment in a wider sense, the office considers itself more a movement rather than a traditional design office. Optimistic Activism is presented across two exhibition spaces: the HOW illustrates the collaborative way of working, where generosity shapes both the spatial and social approach. The WHAT showcases twelve projects through models, drawings and photographs, demonstrating how social engagement, design expertise and craftsmanship translate into built reality. Through their methods and projects, De Zwarte Hond generates optimistic impulses, creating places that bring people together and enrich community life.
Station Assen ©Marcel IJzerman | Mercado Groningen ©Sebastian van Damme
Generosity
At the core of De Zwarte Hond’s approach is generosity, understood as both a spatial and social quality. Projects are developed through an open, often iterative process that draws on internal and external expertise while continuously building knowledge. Generosity, according to De Zwarte Hond, means creating space for discussion, experimentation and collective learning. It is reflected in transparent workflows, a willingness to include external voices, and a commitment to designing projects that extend beyond the needs of individual stakeholders. This approach shapes not only the finished building but the entire process, from the first sketch to completion.
De Zwarte Hond urges every project in its own physical, social and cultural context. The office addresses local conditions while also examining the social and political potential of a site. Its multidisciplinary approach draws on a wide range of references to collaboratively define project objectives. This allows the team to coordinate work across different scales, from detailed architectural elements to long-term spatial strategies. Such an approach supports engagement with clients, communities and other stakeholders, helping them to understand the broader social and political dimensions of the work.
SuperHub Meerstad ©Ronald Tilleman | Herta Mohr University ©Eva Bloem
About the Exhibition
Optimistic Activism unfolds across two exhibition spaces at Aedes:
• In the first space the HOW presents De Zwarte Hond’s methods through a spatial installation of films and a live chart, revealing sources of inspiration, references, and ways of collaborating. The films explore craftsmanship, together, and the value of open space, while a network-style map traces the influences shaping the office’s work. As one, this “cloud” of ideas shows how the studio shares knowledge, passes it on, and reflects critically on its projects.
• The WHAT in the second space brings twelve projects to life through models, drawings, materials, and photographs, showing how social engagement, design expertise, and craftsmanship take shape in the built world.
12 Projects
• Alliander Westpoort, offices, Amsterdam, NL (2023)
• De Bincker, housing/retail, The Hague, NL (2029)
• Frimmersdorf Power Plant, urban strategy/master planning/landscaping/offices, Grevenboich, DE (2024)
• Grunobuurt, master planning/landscaping/housing, Groningen, NL (2028)
• Hart van de Waalsprong, master planning/landscaping/retail/housing, Nijmegen, NL (2025)
• Rode Weeshuisstraat, offices/housing/retail, Groningen, NL (2023)
• Stadshagen, master planning/landscaping/housing/retail, Zwolle, NL (2026)
• Assen Station Area, master planning/public buildings, Assen, NL (2020)
• Superhub, public buildings/retail, Groningen, NL (2022)
• Tempelhofer Feld, urban strategy/public buildings/housing/landscaping, Berlin, DE (2025)
• Theater Zuidplein, public building/theatre, Rotterdam, NL (2021)
• Herta Mohr, public building/education, Leiden, NL (2024)
The exhibition also features the graphic novel METRO 10, created by 18 illustrators as an accessible introduction to the story of Rotterdam. Addressing themes such as mobility, climate, inclusion and migration, 20,000 copies have been distributed free of charge to high students, engaging the next generation in the future of their city. A Groningen version of the book is currently under development.
Alliander Westpoort ©ScagliolaBrakkee | Bincker Den Haag
About De Zwarte Hond
De Zwarte Hond is a multidisciplinary practice specialising in architecture, urbanism and spatial strategy. With over 40 years of experience, the office develops context-sensitive projects ranging from buildings and schools to urban redevelopment and regional planning strategies. Its work combines design expertise with social and political awareness, fostering collaboration with clients, advisors, other architects, residents and users. Projects are designed to create public value, enhance social and cultural infrastructure, and contribute to long-term spatial development. The office employs more than 120 people, with locations in the Netherlands (Groningen and Rotterdam) and Germany (Berlin and Cologne).
The name “De Zwarte Hond” (Dutch for “The Black Dog”) originates from a work of art gifted by artist Siert Dallinga. In return for a commission, he presented the office with an artwork depicting a black dog. When the agency changed its name following the arrival of new partners, this artwork became the inspiration for its new identity.
Catalogue
An Aedes catalogue will be published.
Sponsor
Qbiq – Wall Systems
