De Zwarte Hond is a design agency for architecture, urban design and strategy with offices in Groningen, Rotterdam and Cologne. Through a combination of social commitment and craftsmanship, we create high-quality projects that are sensitive to their context, the needs of users and the vision of our customer.
De Zwarte Hond has an overview of the various forces that play a role in a given place. We can calculate what will add value and improve the quality of life – for residents, the street, the neighbourhood and the city. Our designs are firmly grounded and speak the language of their environment, yet they display a subtle and unexpected individuality. This is the result of their detailing, their materials, their strong connection between inside and outside, and their smart and flexible use of space.
We design places, buildings and whole environments that look out of the ordinary. Conceived, rather than created; built to last and flexible enough to move on to a new phase of life in the future.
Yet our places always touch the heart. Designing and realising interwoven spaces, that’s the essence of our office: we unite architecture and urban design. That combination defines us to the core.
Our projects enrich society, both economically and culturally. This means that they contribute to social development and diversity. Our projects provide connection, both social and physical. They stimulate meeting and social cohesion. In addition, they repair and reinforce the urban fabric.
We are convinced that a plan or design solves nothing in itself. At most, it can set the agenda or indicate directions for solutions. The point is that we actually know how to realise and implement. Of course, we’re committed to the design, but we also take responsibility for the process towards realisation.