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 with their bold ideas. 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.
Mainz
The residents of Mainz dream of a car-free city center. Fewer cars means more space for urban greenery and more room for social interaction in public spaces. The water should become more accessible, with steps along the banks of the Rhine and perhaps even a swimming area in the harbor. Dudok aan het Diep in Groningen offers an appealing reference: a unique and relaxed place by the water for young and old alike.
There should be space to meet in a truly public building, ideally a new library located on top of the city’s main railway station. The Forum in Groningen demonstrates how a public interior can add tremendous value for residents and give a boost to the surrounding area’s development.
A fine-grained network of bicycle paths connects the neighborhoods of Mainz with one another and links the surrounding villages to the city center. In this way, the city becomes a place for everyone: an attractive, healthy urban environment with ample space for greenery.
Rotterdam
The city as an adventure; a ‘pop-up’ Roffa with space for culture and a sense of community. City residents express a desire for more space to meet, for a lively mix of functions, and for more places specifically aimed at young people. High-quality public space should be “worthy of the city center,” including on the south side of the city. At the same time, Rotterdam South is growing into a fully fledged urban core, with all essential amenities located close to where people live.
A polycentric city structure should be strengthened, with strong connections between the different districts. These connections can take the form of vibrant urban streets as well as robust green structures. The various city parks are linked together into a cohesive network. Cars are given less space in the city; this would even allow the Maasboulevard to be transformed into a Maas Park.
Rotterdam must be a city of and for real Rotterdammers; housing affordability is a major challenge. Careful consideration should be given to adding diverse housing typologies that truly reflect the diversity of the city’s residents.
Tilburg
The LocHal in Tilburg matches the strong public character of the Forum in Groningen. It was a courageous decision to dedicate so much space at this central location in the city to a public interior, accessible to all residents. The municipality showed confidence, and residents and entrepreneurs have risen to the challenge. Like a growing organism, the LocHal continues to develop, acting as a catalyst for the area’s development around the station.
Keep growing the city with optimism, and learn from Groningen by giving priority to cyclists and pedestrians in the city center. Densification is acceptable, but green space must be preserved (as it helps keep the city cool). Young people are also claiming their place in the public realm.
Think big. Invest in stronger connections between the different districts, such as between the Spoorzone and the Knowledge Quarter. Invest in high-quality public transport lines between the city and its suburbs. And give Berkel a railway station. Tilburg could become the fifth city of the Netherlands.
