The challenge
The Prinshoeveweg street in Antwerp had a chaotic layout, with the Donkse Beek watercourse having been covered over in the past to create a paved area.
The Prinshoeveweg street in Antwerp had a chaotic layout, with the Donkse Beek watercourse having been covered over in the past to create a paved area.
Arcadis worked with its clients to develop a climate-adaptive design that maximizes the benefits of greenery and water.
The Prinshoeveweg has been transformed from a gray patchwork to a green residential street with wide green areas and trees that cool the surrounding area.
The Prinshoeveweg street in Antwerp had quite an unusual layout. Its two sides were separated by a strip in the middle and were also at different heights. In addition, the Donkse Beek watercourse had been covered over in the past to create a paved area.
The first step of the project involved conventional roadworks and sewerage works, with the sewerage works being handled by sewerage treatment operator Aquafin and the road above being redeveloped by the municipality of Ekeren. The province of Antwerp asked if it would also be possible to restore the Donkse Beek to its natural state. Arcadis worked with its clients to develop a climate-adaptive design that maximizes the benefits of greenery and water.
The result is a true metamorphosis. The central strip has disappeared while the new roadway takes up much less space and has a more streamlined look. The watercourse has a prominent place in the streetscape and helps create a rural atmosphere. A natural embankment on one side supports flora and fauna, while a vertical wall opposite provides space for other functions.