Leuven
The proposal submitted for the Open Oproep 47 competition envisions the comprehensive transformation of Leuven’s urban ring road R23. The aim is to turn this infrastructure—currently dominated by vehicular traffic—into a sustainable, green, and connected urban space, fully open to citizens. The general vision responds to the challenges of climate change, mobility, spatial pressure, and territorial inequalities, using a systemic and participatory planning approach.
The project is structured around four strategic ambitions: (1) to rethink the ring through the lens of landscape and geology, leveraging Leuven’s natural topography to create a continuous linear park that connects hills, parks, and water systems; (2) to build a resilient urban ecosystem based on the lifestyles of local residents, fostering inclusive and accessible spaces for both communities and visitors; (3) to interweave infrastructure and ecology, ensuring that the ring ceases to be a barrier and becomes a green-blue network where sustainable mobility and biodiversity can coexist; and (4) to anchor the project in the city’s history, integrating heritage elements, urban memory, and material coherence in line with Leuven’s local character.
One of the proposal’s most emblematic elements is the transformation of the viaduct over the Vaart canal. Two options are explored: converting it into a belvedere with panoramic views, redirecting traffic to the sides and creating a central green valley below; or demolishing the structure entirely to remove the physical barrier, liberate space, and redesign the surrounding area as an open, pedestrian-friendly public realm. This intervention aims to end the historic divide between the green eastern ring and the car-centric western ring.
From a landscape perspective, priority is given to reestablishing the connection with the Dijle valley by uncovering waterways, reviving historic “water gates,” and implementing a continuous green-blue structure. The ring would become an ecological and recreational backbone, absorbing rainwater, supporting biodiversity, and offering connected leisure spaces.
The proposal includes a historical reading of the ring road, which largely traces the city’s former medieval fortifications. It suggests activating this memory through design—highlighting medieval towers, historic paths, and city gates with contemporary and legible public space elements. This "layered approach" results in an urban palimpsest where past and future coexist.
Finally, the project is conceived as an iterative and collaborative process, involving dialogue with institutions, local communities, and stakeholders. Through workshops, public events, and co-design sessions, the transformation of the R23 is envisioned as a collective journey tailored to the specific characteristics of each urban segment. The ring will cease to function as a barrier and instead become a vibrant urban backbone structuring a greener, more accessible, resilient, and cohesive Leuven.
The proposal submitted for the Open Oproep 47 competition envisions the comprehensive transformation of Leuven’s urban ring road R23. The aim is to turn this infrastructure—currently dominated by vehicular traffic—into a sustainable, green, and connected urban space, fully open to citizens. The general vision responds to the challenges of climate change, mobility, spatial pressure, and territorial inequalities, using a systemic and participatory planning approach.
The project is structured around four strategic ambitions: (1) to rethink the ring through the lens of landscape and geology, leveraging Leuven’s natural topography to create a continuous linear park that connects hills, parks, and water systems; (2) to build a resilient urban ecosystem based on the lifestyles of local residents, fostering inclusive and accessible spaces for both communities and visitors; (3) to interweave infrastructure and ecology, ensuring that the ring ceases to be a barrier and becomes a green-blue network where sustainable mobility and biodiversity can coexist; and (4) to anchor the project in the city’s history, integrating heritage elements, urban memory, and material coherence in line with Leuven’s local character.
One of the proposal’s most emblematic elements is the transformation of the viaduct over the Vaart canal. Two options are explored: converting it into a belvedere with panoramic views, redirecting traffic to the sides and creating a central green valley below; or demolishing the structure entirely to remove the physical barrier, liberate space, and redesign the surrounding area as an open, pedestrian-friendly public realm. This intervention aims to end the historic divide between the green eastern ring and the car-centric western ring.
From a landscape perspective, priority is given to reestablishing the connection with the Dijle valley by uncovering waterways, reviving historic “water gates,” and implementing a continuous green-blue structure. The ring would become an ecological and recreational backbone, absorbing rainwater, supporting biodiversity, and offering connected leisure spaces.
The proposal includes a historical reading of the ring road, which largely traces the city’s former medieval fortifications. It suggests activating this memory through design—highlighting medieval towers, historic paths, and city gates with contemporary and legible public space elements. This «layered approach» results in an urban palimpsest where past and future coexist.
Finally, the project is conceived as an iterative and collaborative process, involving dialogue with institutions, local communities, and stakeholders. Through workshops, public events, and co-design sessions, the transformation of the R23 is envisioned as a collective journey tailored to the specific characteristics of each urban segment. The ring will cease to function as a barrier and instead become a vibrant urban backbone structuring a greener, more accessible, resilient, and cohesive Leuven.