NorthernLight was asked by internationally renowned landscape architects and urban planners karres+brands to team up for the development of a vision and spatial plan for the heart of Almere, the newest city in The Netherlands. NorthernLight has focussed on developing the identity, analysis of the complete user journey and design of key visitor experiences. The team was further strengthened by OverMorgen, an agency that focussed on financial strategy and sustainability.

Weerwater is Almere’s central inland lake that links the city centre and surrounding areas, giving Almere its identity. As part of the programme Almere 2.0 the Weerwater Route will become a leisure and cultural route around the lake. In February 2017, the plan for the design and development of the Weerwater Route in Almere has been presented by the municipality of Almere. In this plan, NorthernLight was responsible for the chapters Identity, user Journey and Visitor experiences. 

In addition to a seven kilometer long route for cyclists and pedestrians a shortened four kilometer long route will be created, made possible by adding a new bridge. The recreational trail for hikers, bikers, runners and cyclists will be enriched by a series of prominent ‘anchor points’ and eye catching signage, furniture and lighting. The plan was developed in close cooperation with the municipality of Almere and a focus group of residents. The plan will be implemented in phases and should be fully completed in 2026. The new bridge and the short route will be realised before the opening of the Floriade 2022.