Our Case Study: Urban Tender Renderings for Harderwijk, Netherlands – New Waterfront Wins 1st Prize!

The Assignment for Urban Tender Renderings

In March 2020, the Harderwijk municipality granted the third phase of the tender for the New Waterfront proposal to the developers Trebbe as developing builder and area developer, BPD Gebiedsontwikkeling. The winning design concept was crafted by Molenaar & Co in collaboration with LAP Landscape & Urban Design. Our task was to create storytelling master plan renderings for the site plan of the New Waterfront at Harderwijk, Netherlands.

  • Scope of order: 4 architectural visualizations for a master plan competition
  • Time: 10 working days, 3 revision rounds
  • Team: 1 project manager + 1 CGI artist

Harderwijk New Waterfront Master Plan in Netherlands – Urban Tender 3D Visualizations Workflow

Schedule of the whole competition workflow:

  • CLIENT RENDERING MANUAL and starting files provided on 16 Dec 2020
  • RNDR, 1ST DRAFTS of urban renderings: 19 Dec 2020
  • Client feedback: 03 Jan 2021 provided by all teams
  • RNDR, 2ND DRAFTS of urban renderings: 07 Jan 2021
  • Client feedback: 08-09 Jan 2021 provided by all teams
  • RNDR, 3RD DRAFTS of urban renderings: 09 Jan 2021
  • Client feedback: 10 Jan 2021 provided by all teams
  • RNDR, FINAL DELIVERY of urban renderings in 5000px: 10 Jan 2021

Features of the Harderwijk New Waterfront Master Plan Tender Proposal as Embodied Hanseatic Legacy

The historical town of Harderwijk, with its Hanseatic influence from the past, presents a distinct character rooted in nautical traditions. The jury commended the plan’s integration of the chosen Hanseatic city theme through Hanseatic motifs from the city center buildings and Hanseatic culture. It was achieved by facilitating a seamless transition between the ‘Zuiderzee’ architectural style and the industrial urban design of the ‘De Harderwerf’ apartment buildings. The waterfront master plan tender proposal encompasses 86 apartments and 40 single-family homes, designed to cater to a diverse demographic of society, including individuals of different age groups, with a focus on affordability.

The idea behind the project is to establish an environmentally friendly district abundant with green spaces. The design emphasizes maritime embellishments and highlights Harderwijk’s historical significance as a Hanseatic city.

Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - architectural competition rendering 01

1st prize for master plan in urban tender / Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Architect designers and clients: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design / Collaboration: Trebbe x BPD Gebiedsontwikkeling x Sweco Architects x Peutz B.V. x Witteveenbos x New Horizon Urban Minning x NL Green Label / Architectural visualization was created through rendering the scene with astonishingly mimetic precision, down to ephemeral shadows and blurred outlines that ultimately lend an air of Dutch painters presence on the 3D images: RNDR

History and Innovation: Showcasing a Captivating Urban Transformation in Harderwijk

The plan synthesized the historical essence of Harderwijk as a Hanseatic metropolis with modern urban design concepts. Through the integration of architectural elements, like the historical style of a building with a modern one, the proposal conjured a captivating portrayal of the progressive area character.

Urban architectural renderings provide a lifelike preview of the envisioned projects. This not only aids in conveying the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design but also allows stakeholders to better understand how various elements interact within the proposed space.

Urban master plan sections of Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - archviz 01
Urban master plan sections of Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - archviz 02
Urban master plan sections of Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - archviz 03

Urban master plan sections of Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Credits: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design

Creating Storytelling Urban Planning Exterior Rendering Set for the New Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands

Through the storytelling architectural renderings we wanted to capture the essence of the master plan tender proposal. That is why our aim was to place particular emphasis on capturing local features and project identity elements expressing these visually on storytelling exterior views (not on interior buildings presentation, because they were not relevant for urban scale project). Among these, we focused a lot on Harderwijk Hanseatic leit motivs and urban 3D images mood. Let’s take a closer look.

#1 Embodied Hanseatic Legacy on Design and Urban Planning 3D Images

The narrative leit motive axis was maritime embellishments of Harderwijk’s role as a Hanseatic urban area. Just like the idea of the project, we aimed to show the architectural essence of Watersport Boulevard with the urban-industrial vibe of ‘De Kades’, while infusing a unique identity that subtly pays homage to Harderwijk’s Hanseatic heritage. The rendering eye of our team, backed by machine-generated details through modeling, is supposed to produce visuals that are evoking the spirit of originally developed historically referred design.

New Harderwijk Waterfront Tender - Sketch 01

Sketch of urban master plan residential buildings in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Credits: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design

#2 Our Rendering Eye Inspired by Dutch Golden Age Paintings

We did not want to create photorealistic master plan renderings with astonishingly mimetic precision like photography. Instead, we aimed to develop the mood of historical and local references through visual storytelling. That is why we put particular emphasis on such references like the Dutch Golden Age paintings. We were inspired by the originally developed color palette, their type of lighting with blurred outlines and composition of landscapes and cityscapes captured in their works. The painted images artists, such as Frans Hals, Paulus Potter, and Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, now conjure references like a mesmerizing symphony of colors and emotions, which ultimately lends us to an obscure painterly beauty. We wanted to keep that spirit through our rendering eye and final outcome.

Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - architectural competition rendering 02

1st prize for master plan in urban tender / Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Designers and clients: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design / Collaboration: Trebbe x BPD Gebiedsontwikkeling x Sweco Architects x Peutz B.V. x Witteveenbos x New Horizon Urban Minning x NL Green Label / Architectural visualization of urban tender ideas inspired by cityscapes captured on Golden Age paintings: RNDR

#3 Depicting Nautical Port Character in Historic Harderwijk Motives Through Design and Exterior Renderings

The triangular structure layout is conceptualized as a fusion of three unique sides, each featuring different housing types and enclosed by three distinctive corner solutions. This approach ensures diversity in home offerings. Also the theme of brick architecture is expressed uniquely on each side, which is portrayed on exterior eye-level renderings.

The theme of brick architecture is designed uniquely on each side, which is portrayed on exterior eye-level renderings. The apex of the triangular block, situated along the quay, serves as a vantage point for pedestrians and cyclists, offering panoramic views from all directions and aligning with the bend of the Lelyhaven waterway.

The corner building, influenced by traditional brick architecture, incorporates contemporary elements inspired by modern interpretation of warehouse and Hanseatic styles. These design choices range from patterns found on the Harderwijk flag to decorative nautical details.

This approach was effectively visualized through urban renderings like eye-level exterior renderings and aerial 3D renderings. The use of site plans and mapping tools, like Google and Apple Maps provided, a clear context, while the focus on nautical and Hanseatic painting references brought forth a poetically tender color palette.

Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - architectural competition rendering 3D plan 07
Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - architectural competition rendering 3D axonometry 06

Urban master plan and simple axonometry of Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Credits: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design

#4 Target Group Addressed Visually

The 3D images portrayed the board target group, by showcasing their appropriate attire and illustrating how the prospective residents would utilize the space. That is why you can find people of various ages with a progressive attitude toward energy-neutral districts on architectural renderings.

Presenting the Integration of the Proposed Structure within the Master Planning Fabric

The provided urban competition rendering below represents the residential complex. This 3D image offers an aerial perspective showcasing the exterior architecture and the surrounding site on a larger scale. The image ultimately lends a comprehensive bird’s-eye view of the block and where the waterfront is positioned.

The proposed triangular structure layout seamlessly integrates with the existing buildings, resulting in a cohesive invitation to explore the project and its location. The design maintains respect for the established structures while introducing an element of a transformative identity.

Utilizing quality urban tender renderings with eye-level exterior renderings, emphasizes the careful consideration of the design within its context. The master planning rendering from the aerial perspective provides insights into how the proposed structure interconnects with the environment, offering an objective portrayal of the project’s integration.

Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - architectural competition rendering 03

1st prize for master plan in urban tender / Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Participants: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design / Collaboration: Trebbe x BPD Gebiedsontwikkeling x Sweco Architects x Peutz B.V. x Witteveenbos x New Horizon Urban Minning x NL Green Label / Architectural visualization showcasing site plan from bird’s-eye view perspective: RNDR

Rich Waterfront Scenes through 3D Illustrations

Maximizing the interior space utilization of the triangle courtyard was achieved by incorporating an underground parking garage beneath the designed structure and optimizing courtyard parking within the triangular block in order to create a vibrant quayside.

The proposed idea has led to the removal of designated parking spaces along the quay, making way for a verdant strip that serves to soften the environment and enhance its greenery. A generously proportioned staircase offers both accessibility to the lower quay and a communal seating area. This reclaimed zone provides residents with unobstructed water views where boats turn, presenting the opportunity for a waterfront lifestyle brimming with vitality and allure – a living experience defined by the New Waterfront.

This idea is vividly portrayed through urban competition renderings. We captured the essence of the proposal, illustrating the marriage of design principles with the vibrancy of nature. It results in inviting an urban space that unites functionality with aesthetic appeal, crafting a distinctive scene on the waterfront that embraces a harmonious blend of environment, community, and modern living.

New Harderwijk Waterfront Tender - Sketch 02

Sketch of urban master plan of Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Credits: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design

Climate-Adaptive Strategies Portrayed through Technologically Advanced Rendering

The master plan blueprint seamlessly merges greenery with architectural elements, fostering a fluid interplay between landscape and structure. Along the N302 side of ‘De Harderwerf’, a verdant facade takes shape in the form of an overgrown lattice, reminiscent of traditional fishing nets — a clever nod to Harderwijk’s historical roots.

Dotted with climbing industrial plants, this facade not only adds an aesthetic touch but also acts as a barrier against noise and airborne pollutants. The transformation extends to Noordlaan, where generous planters adorn the terraces, infusing the area with a vibrant green touch.

Exterior portions of the enclosed triangular block double as planters, introducing greenery to the facade. The courtyard assumes a leafy character that contrasts with the stone-lined quayside, creating a serene green oasis for visitors to experience. Concealing cars behind lush hedges, the environment minimizes paved surfaces and favors open paving, offering a harmonious blend of functionality and green space.

This forward-looking vision can be aptly portrayed through a combination of aerial visualization from a bird’s-eye view and technologically advanced exterior renderings. The imagery, imbued with poetically tender colors, accurately conveys the integration of architectural ingenuity and sustainable landscape design. These master plan renderings serve as a visual testament to the thoughtful alignment of form and function, harmoniously adapting to the climate while cultivating an environment that enriches the urban experience.

Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - architectural competition rendering 05

1st prize for master plan in urban tender / Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Participants and clients: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design / Collaboration: Trebbe x BPD Gebiedsontwikkeling x Sweco Architects x Peutz B.V. x Witteveenbos x New Horizon Urban Minning x NL Green Label / Architectural visualization of master plan: RNDR

Positive Energy and Natural Elements Integrated through Master Plan 3D Renders of the New Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands

The strategy entails maximizing energy production within the plan, though its sustainability extends beyond energy considerations. Through comprehensive water management encompassing retention, storage, reuse, and natural drainage, the design proves exceptionally adaptive to climate conditions. This resilience applies to extreme shifts, such as heavy rainfall and future drought periods.

The aim is to make the district entirely free from natural gas and achieve maximum energy neutrality through a shared heating system. The houses will feature green roofs that locally collect rainwater for reuse or drainage to wadis, promoting sustainable water management. Each home will be equipped with a materials passport to ensure responsible material usage. Furthermore, the district will offer numerous electric charging points to support the concept of modern mobility.

Additionally, the area will be thoughtfully designed to support biodiversity, providing ample space for flora and fauna. By seamlessly intertwining coordinated planting and ecological insights, the proposal fosters robust biodiversity and a nature-inclusive ethos.

This holistic vision aligns with the principles of ecological sustainability. It is a statement of the originality of the growth, one that resonates with the intricate beauty of the environment while catering to modern urban life. The inclusive approach, supported by a fusion of CGI artists’ work and machine-generated architectural renderings, encapsulates an ethos where sustainability meets aesthetics. The 3D imagery not only resonates with the integration of natural elements but also captures the essence of the architectural design. The result is a 3D portrayal that speaks to both visual beauty and the commitment to creating a sustainable, thriving urban environment.

Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands - architectural competition rendering 04

1st prize for master plan in urban tender / Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands / Architect designers and clients: Molenaar & Co Architecten x LAP Landscape & Urban Design / Collaboration: Trebbe x BPD Gebiedsontwikkeling x Sweco Architects x Peutz B.V. x Witteveenbos x New Horizon Urban Minning x NL Green Label / Urban competition visualization: RNDR

A Summary of Creating Winning Architectural Renderings for Harderwijk Proposal in Netherlands

Awarded a first prize urban tender assignment is the golden ticket to further construction process, so we know the responsibility that lies with us as a 3D rendering studio. We also know that ordering a set for high-quality urban competition renderings is an investment for an ordering party. That is why we put a lot of effort and creative attitude towards visually extracting competition essence and top quality.

Urban tender visualizations through exterior architectural renderings and aerial views intricately weave together a city scale planning with a master plan of particular area within. These urban visualizations transcend images, bridging reality and concept, beckoning urban planners and architects to the project board presentation. Architects weave dreams into reality, crafting vibrant urban futures where architecture and imagination meld in extraordinary harmony.

We managed to support New Waterfront in Harderwijk in the Netherlands tender winning 1st prize. The construction started on the 4th of July 2022.

New Harderwijk Waterfront Tender - Start of Construction

New Waterfront in Harderwijk, Netherlands begins on the 4th of July 2022 / Photography credits: Molenaar & Co Architecten

Let Others Experience Your Urban Master Plan Ideas

Discover the power of urban architectural visualizations in shaping cities, from the elegant streets of historical towns to the cutting-edge dystopian metropolises of tomorrow. As architects and artists, we invite you to embrace your urban plans visually.

Get in touch with us today by clicking below.

Malgo Widaj

Malgo Widaj

founder and owner of RNDR, art director, and head of all operations at RNDR

After 10 years of designing public spaces around Europe in both projects and competitions, a desire was born to start an international atelier with an inclusive and sustainable approach, that focuses on meaningful beauty creation driven by tech. And it happened!

Now RNDR teams are helping product designers, architects, and developers around the globe to increase visual communication through storytelling images, improve media presence, win project competitions or leverage sales through rendering experiences.

Do You Have the Time and Skills
to Create High-Quality Renders?

Do You Have the Time and Skills
to Create High-Quality Renders?