Impact
Every great city was once shaped by an idea that, at the time, seemed radical. Concepts like Paris’ 15-minute city and Madrid’s reclamation of the Manzanares River have redefined urban life—putting people before cars and nature before concrete.
Bold ideas transform industrial wastelands into cultural hubs, parking lots into public plazas, and congested streets into walkable neighborhoods. The cities we admire today exist because planners, architects, and communities dared to challenge the norm. Below a summary of what ‘Bold City, Brave Decisions’ visitors suggested to further shape their cities in the near future
Graz
The exhibition in Graz has prompted many visitors to reflect on the future of mobility and public space in the city. Similar to Groningen, they believe that more attention and space should be allocated to cyclists and public transport, with less priority given to cars. This would not only improve accessibility and livability but also free up valuable space that could be used for green areas and a more attractive urban environment.
A striking theme that emerged from the responses was the potential of the Mur River. Several visitors emphasized that an ambitious, perhaps even bold decision is needed to better integrate the river into urban life and strengthen Graz’s identity. It was suggested that the riverbanks could be made car-free or low-traffic, and that the Mur could be utilized as a high-quality public space. This would not only enhance the city’s overall quality but also create opportunities for new urban functions and amenities along and on the water.
These insights highlight how the exhibition has sparked a valuable discussion on sustainable urban development and the role of mobility and public space in Graz.
Groningen
According to visitors of the exhibition, Groningen should take the next step in making the city more livable. Many suggestions focus on further reducing car traffic and softening and greening key infrastructures such as the Emmaviaduct and Zuiderdiep. Additionally, there is a strong call for projects that make better use of existing waterways or even reopen old, buried watercourses.
A notable theme that emerged from the responses is the need for a bold decision to enhance biodiversity and climate adaptation. Several visitors proposed the idea of a “circulation plan”, not just for traffic, but for nature itself, ensuring better connectivity for plants and animals across the city.
These insights illustrate how the exhibition has sparked an active dialogue about rethinking urban space in Groningen, emphasizing sustainable mobility, ecological resilience, and the integration of nature into the city’s fabric.
