The city of Arnhem appointed OMGEVING to draw up the vision for the public space in the city centre. Public space plays a crucial role in the attractiveness, quality and livability of the city centre. Today, it is insufficiently prepared for the changing climate. The city centre heats up quickly and is the hottest place in Arnhem, additionally there is flooding during heavy rainfall. Its appearance also leaves much to be desired. The mishmash of materials, furniture, styles and overly paved surfaces means Arnhem’s distinctive green DNA is insufficiently visible.
The city’s ambition is to make Arnhem ‘the coolest city centre in the Netherlands’, addressing the various tasks that come together in the city centre. Creating a cool network is a first step towards this. The network consists of new sheltered, shady routes and cool spots and passes by the crucial locations in the city that have a clear climate challenge (heat, flooding, etc.). A thorough greening of public spaces (streets, inner areas, roofs, etc.) will allow the temperature in the city centre to drop. In this way, not only the quality of life increases but the identity of the city centre is also positively stimulated. The green Arnhem DNA is thus made visible again in the city centre.
