Connecting historic sites: De Zwarte Hond designs strategy for Coevorden

Connecting historic sites to strengthen the city’s identity and transform it from a shopping city into an attractive destination with five striking new elements: this is the essence of a new strategy in Coevorden called Kasteelpark Coevorden (Coevorden Castle Park) conceived by De Zwarte Hond.

Coevorden’s ambition is to become an attractive city for both residents and visitors. De Zwarte Hond was commissioned to create a spatial and programmatic strategy for various locations in Coevorden’s historic inner centre: Market, Castle, Harbour, Citadel Point and Orphanage Field. The strategy investigates how these five spaces could become a 'living room’ for the city. The concept of a castle park creates coherence and quality by increasing green space and adding unique structures within this fortified city.

The Kasteelpark is attractive and surprising: paved surfaces make way for more greenery, which benefits climate challenges and biodiversity. Kasteelpark celebrates the joys of daily life such as a walk in the park, wading in the water or coffee on a sunny terrace. But it also offers space for big events such as the annual knight’s day and the harbour days. The unique structures such as the Markthal (market) and the Berceau (tree tunnel) invite social encounters. The Berceau provides a striking demarcation of the Kasteelpark. 

Following an intensive participation process with local residents and businesses, the council approved the concept at the end of 2019. Currently De Zwarte Hond is developing the image quality of the Berceau. This stunning green pergola surrounding the Orphanage Field is the first element of the Kasteelpark concept to be implemented.

The project was a collaboration between De Zwarte Hond, Bureau PAU, Hajema Communicatie and PAS bv. Felixx is involved in the project for the landscaping, design and elaboration of the sustainability strategy.