Blue-green brightens life at the market
What was once a grey car park has now been transformed into a shared space for people and nature. For Gavere Market Square, we are guiding an intensive participatory process in which residents, shopkeepers and local associations are co-creating their ideas. Together, we are designing a square that connects: with seating areas, water features and green zones that cool, buffer and stimulate biodiversity.
The fountain plays a central role, fed by spring water that continues to flow even during dry periods. Beneath the surface, infiltration pits and tree granulate ensure smart water buffering and healthy tree growth. The new square invites gathering, rest and play. This climate-adaptive redesign has not gone unnoticed: it won the Public Choice Award plus a bronze medal at the Publica Awards 2023, and took first prize at the Openbaargroen Awards 2024.
Excitement in the south of Gent Sint-Pieters
Shortly after the Second World War, airplanes took off here. Today, this barren highway location between the E40 and R4 is becoming a place where living, working and meeting are gathered across 80,000 m². To translate the vision into a proper urban design, a new RUP is required. In the EIA, we examine effects on mobility, people and climate. Together with XDGA architects, we are designing the layout and sustainability plan for Field 12 East. For another part (Field 11), we are guiding mobility planning. Meanwhile, the Upoffiz | Upliving Ghent – Loop5 site is a hive of activity.
We are responsible for the stability and technical infrastructure in this mix of apartments, offices, meeting and event spaces. Using dynamic simulations, we are dimensioning the BEO field to achieve a perfect balance, which we link with concrete core activation. Solar panels on the roof, charging stations and rainwater reuse are obvious choices. Close by, three fields glitter with 12,000 solar panels. At least half of the electricity is fed into the grid; the rest powers the site via a direct line. Afterwards, the panels will be reused on new roofs in other circular projects. We manage the entire permitting process and ensure that this project fits perfectly within the master plan. One thing is clear: The Loop in Ghent is buzzing.
Heat mapped out, on course for climate neutral
The energy transition is not limited to large power plants, it is also happening in our streets. Together with the Province of East Flanders, we are developing heat policy plans for several cities and municipalities. We use a participatory process, ensuring that the plans are feasible and supported. A heat plan offers guidance towards climate neutrality by 2050 and follows four steps.
First, we collect all available data on heat demand and supply and visualise it on an interactive map. Next, together with local stakeholders, we develop a heat vision defining goals and roles. We then link areas to promising heat sources based on a multicriteria analysis and a high-level business case. Finally, we prioritise zones, create development sheets and prepare a policy plan with instruments to accelerate the heat transition. The result is concrete advice for lower energy costs and a robust infrastructure.
A circus full of wonder
Where elephants once performed tricks, and later cars were repaired, there is now a place filled with offices, exhibitions, hospitality and music. We have preserved the heritage while reinforcing the structure with new floors, roofs and additional stairwells and lift shafts, preparing the building for intensive use. Our teams delivered thoughtful, building-specific structural solutions, meticulous fire safety and comfortable building services.
The new hall beneath the central arena now enjoys rock-level acoustics. Beneath the arena, we drilled 35 boreholes, each 150 metres deep, for ground-energy storage for carbon-neutral heating and cooling at the Wintercircus. Smartly connected to De Krook, we maximise energy efficiency. Thus, the Wintercircus is back as a vibrant hub where heritage, innovation and experience are merged into one powerful story.
Ambitious efforts on the right track
Not only the railway in Ghent is evolving—the city itself is on the move. With Gentspoort, we are creating space for more than ten kilometres of new tram tracks, untangling complex junctions and providing a high-quality redesign of public space. We are responsible for the study and design of this challenging puzzle. With 3D modelling, we are investigating, down to the last centimetre, how the design can be built, both above and below ground. We go even further: using AI, we generate photorealistic images to test how new tram profiles fit into existing street and square layouts. This lets us literally see the future.
A puzzle is never solved alone. Through information fairs and workshops, we bring residents, companies and associations to the table. Their ideas form an essential basis for our designs. We are delivering smart mobility, safe cycle ways and footpaths and a city ready for tomorrow. Gentspoort is not a passing project, it’s a promise come true: more trams, renewal, connection. And we help make that promise real.
The fine line between pioneering work and nature
Beneath our feet, a silent struggle is taking place. On a former site along the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal, chlorinated solvents have settled deep into the soil and groundwater -down to 23 metres. Until 1979, polyols were produced here. The substances 1,2-dichloropropane and dichloroisopropyl ether are persistent and toxic, making remediation unavoidable. For more than fifteen years, we have conducted pioneering research, often with few references or established remediation paths. Until now.
Our integrated research -from lab tests and field trials to tracer studies- shows that 1,2-dichloropropane can be biologically degraded by injecting a carbon source. This reveals that nature itself can be an ally. Through science, nature and teamwork, a complex contamination is turning step by step into clean soil. We spent years looking for the best way to tackle the contamination. Being able to activate the bacteria in the soil so the groundwater purifies itself… that’s pioneering at its best. It’s wonderful to see.
"We have spent years searching for the best way to tackle pollution. The fact that we can activate bacteria in the soil to purify the groundwater themselves... that is pioneering at its best. It's wonderful to see."
From grey stone to green lung
A design dream coming true: imagine a warm summer day at the renewed Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas. Children splash around the water features, friends enjoy a picnic on the grass. The square is spacious, green and alive. We are bringing this ambitious vision to life. As winner of the Open Call from the Vlaams Bouwmeester, we translated our competition idea into a full case for implementation. We are also guiding the project through to completion.
In our design, the Grote Markt remains the stage for markets and festivities, but gains a second aspect: that of park and garden. Trees, flower gardens and lawns provide cooling refreshment and biodiversity. Water features buffer rainwater and temper heat. And thanks to the attractive shopping loop, awarded the Public Space Prize 2023, the Openbaar Groen Award 2022 and the ‘Waterproof’ label, we seamlessly link the Grote Markt with the station square.
Bridging the gap in maintenance together
A bridge is a lifeline for mobility and the economy. But what about when it ages? With OverBruggen, the Flemish government is addressing the maintenance backlog through a Public-Private Partnership. This large-scale asset management project focuses on safety and technology. Each bridge is receiving a comprehensive upgrade, tailored to today’s needs and ready for tomorrow. This is happening in two parts: the renovation of 31 fixed bridges in poor condition, and the renewal of 19 movable bridges across the waterway network.
The latter are also equipped for remote operation. We are at the helm in project and process management, technical design, BIM and traffic impact mitigation. Through standardisation and smart engineering, we are accelerating execution, reducing costs and enhancing traffic safety. The programme approach fits seamlessly with previous interventions, such as the raising of the bridges across the Albert Canal for De Vlaamse Waterweg nv.
