On the occasion of World Water Day celebrated on 22nd March, we remark our passion and expertise on one of our core themes:  “Living with Water”.

At OKRA, we reflect on water’s transformative power in shaping our landscapes, cities, and communities. We believe that forging a strong, sustainable connection between people, society, and nature is key to ensuring that everyone thrives, especially as climate change and population growth present new challenges. As landscape and urban designers, we view water as both a vital resource and a dynamic opportunity. By embracing its challenges, we enhance resilience, foster biodiversity, and create more liveable communities for the future.

On the outskirts of Mijdrecht, the new climate-adaptive neighbourhood “De Veenhoven” is set to emerge in the coming years! We designed the public spaces of the winning proposal, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and innovation to shape a future community with a high standard of living. By integrating forward-thinking solutions, we prioritize environmental responsibility and long-term value, creating a resilient community.

The project is in collaboration with Gemeente De Ronde Venen, Cazas Wonen, Blink | a JAJO company, Janssen de Jong Bouw | a JAJO company, Faro Architecten B.V., Brockhoff Makelaars, Merosch, Vos de Boer & Partners BV, ADCIM B.V., Juli Advies, Area of People, fffunction.studio, JAJO.

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.