"Optimistic Activism" is the title of a new exhibition at Aedes Architecture Forum, running from 25 October through 3 December. The exhibition highlights the work of architectural firm De Zwarte Hond. Since its founding in Groningen 40 years ago, the firm has evolved from a traditional practice into a multidisciplinary studio of over 120 professionals. Operating across the Netherlands and Germany, De Zwarte Hond merges civic responsibility with thoughtful architecture and urban design. The studio looks beyond aesthetics alone, championing quality in the built environment—and operates as a movement rather than a conventional planning office. Optimistic Activism unfolds across two exhibition spaces: HOW reveals the collaborative process at the studio's core, where generosity shapes both spatial and social strategies. WHAT showcases twelve projects through models, drawings, and photography, demonstrating how civic commitment, design thinking, and craftsmanship translate into built outcomes. Through these methods and projects, De Zwarte Hond advances optimistic vision—creating spaces that bring communities together and strengthen shared life.

The exhibition spans two rooms at Aedes. HOW presents De Zwarte Hand's design methodology through an immersive installation of films and an interactive diagram, revealing the studio's inspirations, references, and collaborative practices. Films explore craftsmanship, community, and the power of open space, while a networked diagram maps the influences shaping the work – creating a visual "constellation" of ideas that illustrates how the studio generates, shares, and critically examines knowledge. WHAT displays twelve completed projects via models, drawings, materials, and photographs, revealing how social commitment, design rigor, and craft expertise translate into tangible architectural outcomes.

The exhibition also presents METRO O1O, a graphic novel created by 18 illustrators as an engaging gateway into Rotterdam's story. The work weaves together themes of mobility, climate resilience, inclusion, and migration. Already distributed free to every secondary school student in Rotterdam – 20,000 copies in total – the novel aims to inspire young people about their city's future. A Groningen edition is currently in development.

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