Our plan to guide the climate adaptation of Merksem-West is on its way!

With data-driven insights on climate adaptation, we translate the municipality’s 2050 vision into tailored actionable measures for flooding, heat and green within a clear landscape framework. This was made possible by combining our experience in creating cities as natural habitats and integrating solutions for living with water. Here we partnered Nelen & Schuurmans, a watermanagement and IT  consultancy, leading in 3D modelling of environmental challenges. Our joint approach follows the process of “rekenen en tekenen” (lit. Dutch “calculating and designing”), uniquely combining quantitative, data-driven insights on climate adaption with spatial design, reinforcing the robustness and spatial identity of Merksem.

We are excited to support AR Urbanism, Arup, and Savills- lead teams overseeing design, engagement, landscape, and ecology – for Team Barrow’s ambitious transformation of Barrow and Furness, United Kingdom. This inspiring project aims to shape the area’s future, celebrate its natural assets, and maximize investment impact to benefit the local community.

After projects in the London area and Oxfordshire, we’re proud to further expand our presence in the UK—now adding Cumbria county to our map!

Following our exciting win, we travelled to Pamplona to officially launch the next phase of our project. In collaboration with OAB and vi17, we continue solidifying our partnership with the city’s municipality, reinforcing our shared commitment to ensuring a seamless design process and a successful outcome for everyone!

We are excited to announce that as of January 2025, Bas has joined the management team of OKRA as an associate.  He has been an essential part of OKRA since 2013, and his dedication, passion, and expertise have truly shaped our success. As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, we couldn’t be more excited to see him continue to grow, lead, and inspire! We asked him some questions about his journey here and his future ahead.

Our design proposal, Isolíneas, created in collaboration with OAB Office of Architecture in Barcelona and Vi17 Arquitectura, has been selected as the winner of the international competition to transform Pamplona’s historic promenade. Chosen from five finalist teams, this project represents an exciting milestone for us and an opportunity to redefine how public spaces connect people, culture, and nature.

The jury commended Isolíneas for its comprehensive approach, highlighting how the proposal balances the social, heritage, and environmental dimensions of Paseo de Sarasate.

We’re proud to be one of the six chosen consulting teams for the conceptual planning and design of the Golden Inner Bay.

The challenge is to optimise the spatial framework, drive industrial transformation and foster ecological civilisation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, ultimately achieving sustainable and high-quality development.

Just last month, our partner Martin and our associate Giuliana travelled to South Africa to witness the transformation of this residential neighbourhood.

We’re beyond proud to announce that we’ve been awarded as Best Landscape Design Firm, and two of our projects have been chosen as Landscape Designs of the Year 2024 by the LOOP Design Awards!

The former deportation station of Bobigny was recognized in the Heritage Design category, while Catharijnesingel has won in Parks & Open Space.

Our work stood out among over 500 incredible entries from 54 countries across all continents, and we are honoured to be recognized on such a global scale.

This achievement reflects the passion, creativity, and dedication of our entire team, pushing forward our vision to design meaningful places.

Today, 1st August, marks Earth Overshoot Day: the day in which humanity’s collective demand exceeds the planet’s capacity to regenerate resources within a year. This day underscores our collective responsibility to preserve Earth’s resources for future generations.

At OKRA, through our Academy programme, we have delved into the topic of circularity — one of the guiding principles in our practice — to design responsible solutions for people and nature.

Exciting update! We’ve completed the preliminary design for Park de Vosse & Cerespark in Hillegom. Our shared vision is on its way to becoming reality, thanks to the Municipality of Hillegom for their stimulating assignment focused on “experiencing the senses”.

The design features an ever-changing sensory route that transitions between zones of hearing, scent, sight, touch, and taste. Carefully selected plants, materials and programme enhance the sensory experience of each area. To some, even a sixth sense may be experienced…