Where industrial heritage and contemporary living come together
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In Arnhem, a new neighbourhood is being developed: the Nieuwe Kadekwartier. Within this area, the Cobercokwartier, located on the site of the former dairy factory, acts as a key link to the city centre. Studio D was commissioned to develop a placemaking concept and to apply a human-scale design approach, supported by powerful visuals.
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How can urban transformation at this location give rise to a new collective identity?
The Cobercokwartier forms a link in the creative corridor extending from the heart of the city along the Rhine.
The redevelopment of the dairy factory transforms a historic building into the vibrant centrepiece of a new urban ensemble.
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Urban design principles such as clear routes, accessible public spaces and respect for the existing heritage form the foundation of the spatial concept. The materialisation of the buildings has been carefully coordinated, with all design decisions brought together in an interactive 3D model that functions both as a design tool and as a means of communication.
Eye-level design simulations show how the public realm connects existing heritage with new development.
The Cobercokwartier is characterised by a diverse range of building typologies, from single-family homes to apartments, strengthening its relationship with the surrounding area.
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Throughout the design process, close attention was paid to block dimensions, building heights and architectural expression. Inward-facing public spaces create an intimate atmosphere and a distinct identity for each quarter. The residential streets, with space for children to play and traditional ‘Delft-style’ pavements, encourage social cohesion.
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Orientation towards the Rhine
The Cobercokwartier directly borders the Rhine quay. Via Rijnplein, the dairy factory becomes part of a sequence of creative hotspots along the waterfront.
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Green structure & drainage
The green ring around the city centre and the Westervoortsedijk form a green edge along the western and northern sides of the Cobercokwartier. Rainwater is collected and discharged through an internal water management system.
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Topography
The height landscape around the dairy factory has been carefully designed. Height accents relate to both the immediate surroundings and the city at large. The dairy factory chimney serves as a landmark for routes and sightlines.
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Diversity & phasing
The Cobercokwartier is being developed in multiple phases. The dairy factory forms the beating heart of the development. Together with the Van Ginkel building, it accommodates space for creative industries and hospitality.
A vibrant urban district full of activity and city life
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Along the Westervoortsedijk, the building blocks display a varied façade rhythm, creating a strong vertical articulation while preserving the recognisability of the dairy factory. Active ground floors provide space for a range of amenities. At the heart of the neighbourhood lies Rijnplein, a meeting place for residents and visitors and an important link between the dairy factory and the Rhine quay.
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At the edges of the project, strong connections are made with the wider context, where robust perimeter blocks on the north, west and south contrast with the finer-grained internal urban structure.
Studio D provided us with greater insight when making decisions and enabled clearer communication with government bodies, advisors, local residents, entrepreneurs and future inhabitants.