Antwerp's hidden heritage with an award-winning website

De Ruien
Web design & rebranding

A mockup of the De Ruien website in mobile and tablet format.

De Ruien is one of the many hidden gems in modern Antwerp. This ancient underground canal network offers a unique tourist experience and impresses visitors and city residents alike. Through various walks and tours, you will discover part of the hidden heritage in this beautiful city.

Antwerp's underground canal network has a mystical aura that was key to the new brand identity. We had to not only capture this mysterious essence but also boost online ticket sales. The previous website was a barrier for both employees and visitors. Werkmmaat brought us in to create a new website with improved navigation, thanks to a well-organized information architecture. We also updated the graphic style, signage, and brochures, aiming to appeal to a wider European audience.

The revamped website played a crucial role in the success of the project. A year after its launch in July 2022, the brand saw a 23% increase in visitors. More specifically, interest in the more exclusive combination tours rose significantly. Additionally, the website received the 'Awwwards Honorable Mention' in 2023 and was praised for its usability, content, creativity, and design. Thanks to our development team, the site is accessible to everyone, including people with visual and motor impairments.

The Ruien are the underground canal network beneath the city of Antwerp. Werkmmaat engaged us to develop a new website that was easier to navigate, thanks to a refined information architecture. Additionally, we revised the graphic style, signage, and brochures, focusing on a broader European audience.

The old website was a barrier for both staff and visitors. The result was a revamped website that received the prestigious 'Awwwards Honorable Mention' in 2023. The website was praised for its user-friendliness, content, creativity, and design, and is now accessible to everyone, including people with visual and motor impairments.

A selection of our projects

No items found.
The year after the launch of the new website and rebranding, we received 23% more visitors with De Ruien.
Erwin Lauriks
Coordinator Worksize