WärtZ Unleashed: Orange Architects, MVRDV, and LOLA Redefine Dutch Architecture

Orange Architects, in collaboration with MVRDV and LOLA Landscape Architects, has been awarded a commission by AM developers to revitalize the industrial area adjacent to Zwolle railway station. The Dutch Architecture project, called WärtZ, has received official endorsement from AM and Dutch Railways (NS). The Dutch Architecture proposal envisions the creation of a vibrant innovation district featuring approximately 850 residences catering to diverse age groups, along with hospitality establishments, educational facilities, community services, and dedicated spaces for creative artisans

Sebastiaan de Wilde, the Director of Station Development at Dutch Railways (NS), expressed his positive views about a proposal related to area development and construction. He praised the Dutch Architecture proposal for being ambitious, forward-thinking, and pioneering. According to him, it shows how innovative approaches can play a crucial role in addressing climate objectives, housing demands, and resolving issues related to accessibility. NS is excited about these initiatives and is actively collaborating with the City of Zwolle, AM, and various partners to realize this vision. He is hopeful about the future of this Dutch Architecture innovation district located adjacent to the Zwolle station.

The public areas within WärtZ are designed to promote social interaction and reconnect people with nature. The landscape design, conceptualized by LOLA Landscape Architects, is based on the principles of ‘urban rewilding,’ emphasizing the return of public spaces to a more natural state. The current asphalt-covered areas will be transformed into a vast natural canvas, providing a communal area for makers, residents, and visitors alike. The residential structures in the Lurelui neighborhood and on WärtZ Square, designed by Orange Architects, are seamlessly integrated into this wild and natural canvas. This Dutch Architecture integration ensures that pockets of greenery, communal spaces, and opportunities for healthy outdoor activities interlace between and around the buildings. The ultimate goal is to establish the most eco-friendly inner-city station district in the Netherlands.

MVRDV and Orange Architects recently revealed plans for a mixed-use district in Kyiv, Ukraine. The new WärtZ plan will begin Dutch Architecture construction in 2026, pending any significant changes.