October 5, 2026 Awards
Last week marked the official inauguration of the newly renovated Prins Clausplein square in Dinxperlo. This transformation represents the first tangible step in a broader vision for revitalising the town centre. The opening ceremony was attended by Alderman Ted Kok, along with local residents and business owners. To celebrate the occasion, a festive programme was organised, featuring a market, children’s activities, and an open-air cinema.
One year after our appointment as the leading design team for the Grow College Green public realm project in central Dublin, we are proud to share the first public update on our work. Commissioned by Dublin City Council, OKRA – in partnership with Dublin-based Scott Tallon Walker Architects – will lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop the design. This project envisions a safe, inclusive, and vibrant civic space that celebrates the area’s rich heritage while embracing sustainability, accessibility and biodiversity.
The renovated Paardenkerkhofstraat has officially opened in Mechelen. Part of the Flemish climate programme “Koele Straten” (Cool Streets), the project showcases an innovative approach to urban design that prioritises greening, de-paving, cooling and water management. The street is the first in the city to tackle heat stress in such a comprehensive way, standing as a source of inspiration for future urban renewal initiatives taking into account the impacts of climate change.
In the coming years, Brussels Airport will make significant investments in its infrastructure. With a new intermodal hub, an expanded departures and arrivals hall, a new hotel, and a green boulevard with a park, Brussels Airport Company (BAC) aims to create the necessary space to accommodate growing passenger numbers, promote modal shift, and deliver an exceptional passenger experience.
Through a European tender procedure, which attracted over 40 top international teams, the Belgian–Dutch team of Witteveen+Bos, Benthem Crouwel Architects, OKRA, and Stramien CV was selected to deliver a future-oriented design for this ambitious project. In close collaboration with the client, they are responsible for the architectural design, engineering, and landscape design.
In the development of the project, the team is supported by several subcontractors. PlaneGround contributed to the logical functional layout of the buildings and analysis of passenger flows. M gineers is involved in the design and implementation of the thermal energy storage fields, the HVAC, electrical, sprinkler, and security systems. Zonneveld assists with the design and development of part of the main structural framework. And 4Building supports the team in determining construction costs.
It all began in 2019, with the completed revitalization of Nijverdal’s Grotestraat, where we redefined the streetscape with a bold,climate-adaptive approach. Inspired by its success, the municipality assigned us a new challenge: to expand our blue-green vision and create a continuous loop of green, climate-adaptive streets surrounding the city centre, adding Willem Alexanderstraat, Keizerserf and Maximastraat to our plan.
This transformation is turning thus the city centre into a resilient, nature-based ecosystem, making Nijverdal a welcoming place to visit and linger, enriching the experiences of locals, pedestrians, and cyclists, while also driving sustainability efforts, and enhancing climate adaptability.
Marina Promenade was recently inaugurated by Ireland’s Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, and the Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle!
Supporting Cork’s ambitions for active transportation, Marina Promenade introduces a vital slow-mobility corridor along the River Lee, replacing what was once a vehicular street. Our design has transformed the area into a shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, running through a double row of mature, existing trees. This healthy, sustainable and people-focused urban environment marks a significant milestone in the Docklands regeneration, paving the way for even more exciting developments along Cork’s riverside.
Together with the municipalities of Berkelland and Dusseldorp, we are transforming Neede Noord Oost into a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood with smart, small-scale interventions that enrich the public space, strengthen social ties, and promote climate resilience.
Yesterday marked the official start of the execution phase of Gullemen centre transformation, in Belgium. The mayor, the alderman responsible for public space, our associate Tom Wierts together with our collaborators from Atelier Ruimtelijk Advies (ARA), Dierendonckblancke Architects, and Veldhuis Architects, gathered to celebrate the official start of works.
We renew our enthusiasm to have the opportunity to work closely together with the Municipality to bring this vision to life in the next three years!
Following our recent milestone of 30 years of designing meaningful places, we’re taking another big step forward. We’re thrilled to welcome Angus Bruce as a partner for international business at OKRA, focused on strengthening and expanding our presence and our mission into international markets.
Angus brings a wealth of experience in designing and delivering landscape architecture and public realm projects across the UK, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and Australia. With a proven track record in managing projects ranging from urban transformations to large-scale nature restorations, his role will be key in driving our global growth while staying true to the values that have defined OKRA for three decades.
His arrival strengthens our team and reinforces our vision on healthy cities, resilient landscapes and sustainable water strategies.
