Mid-sized cities in Northwestern Europe are evolving into dynamic and attractive urban centers. Groningen is a prime example—a city that has embraced growth while maintaining sustainability and inclusivity. But how can cities expand without losing their identity and livability? What choices are needed to create a future-proof urban environment? This exhibition invites both citizens and experts to explore these questions. It presents the public and political dimensions of urban transformation, encouraging dialogue, connection, and exchange between city inhabitants, decision-makers, and urban planners.
How Groningen became a Model City
“Bold City, Brave Decisions” is an initiative by De Zwarte Hond, a leading firm specializing in architecture, urban planning, and strategy. The exhibition illustrates how Groningen has transformed over the decades, shaped by a strong vision and key urban planning choices. Through a historical perspective and three pivotal decisions, visitors gain insight into how Groningen became a progressive, highly livable city.
Groningen Vismarkt now
A historical overview
The exhibition explores Groningen’s urban development over the past century through five key themes. It begins with Groningen as a landscape city, highlighting the balance between nature and urbanization. It then examines the city’s relationship with its periphery, the tension between isolation and internationalization, and the role of public spaces in shaping urban life. Finally, it reflects on a divided city, addressing social and spatial inequalities. These narratives offer a deeper understanding of Groningen’s transformation and the challenges of urban development.
Stad en ommeland. Photo by Harry Cock
3 bold decisions
The exhibition showcases Groningen’s success as a model city, shaped by three bold planning decisions that have guided its development for decades. These key choices demonstrate how strategic urban planning has transformed Groningen into a progressive and highly livable city:
Continuity
The Berlage-Schut Plan provided a long-term vision for urban planning and spatial development.
Collectivity
The Traffic Circulation Plan by Max van den Berg, prioritized cyclists and public spaces over car traffic.
Compactness
Ypke Gietema’s Compact City strategy, focused on densification and efficient land use creating a vibrant urban environment.
Berlage-Schut Plan for Groningen
What will shape your city’s future?
The exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on the future of their own cities. What decisions must be made to maintain and enhance urban livability? An interactive map allows visitors to share their ideas, mark key areas, and engage in a dialogue about urban development. Join the conversation and explore how bold ideas can transform your city.
Bring Bold Ideas to Your City
Our traveling exhibition explores how cities evolve, showcasing challenges, solutions, and innovations. While the core exhibition remains the same, we tailor it to each city’s unique challenges, creating space for conversations between local communities, decision-makers, architects, and urban planners. Let’s bring your city’s transformation into focus, inspire citizens, and foster meaningful discussions about the future of urban living.
Want to bring Bold City, Brave Decisions to your city? Contact us at pr@dezwartehond.nl
About De Zwarte Hond
De Zwarte Hond is a leading design firm specializing in architecture, urban planning, and strategy. With offices in Groningen, Rotterdam, Cologne, and Berlin, over 120 professionals work on projects that create social impact while seamlessly integrating into their surroundings. Through craftsmanship and a strong sense of responsibility, De Zwarte Hond designs sustainable, innovative, and functional spaces that strengthen cities and communities.