Hoeilaart sets the tone with climate-adaptive streets

Climate change is confronting cities and municipalities with increasingly complex challenges. Intense rainfall leads to flooding, while heatwaves and drought put pressure on the livability of streets. At the same time, expectations are rising to design public space in a greener, healthier and more future-proof way.

Pressure on public space is increasing

For local authorities, it is becoming more complex to design streets in a well-considered way. Multiple functions need to come together within limited space, balancing mobility, water management, biodiversity and budget. The ambition is clear, but translating it into concrete and feasible solutions often remains a challenge.

New tools make the difference

To manage this complexity, more and more organisations are turning to digital support. By combining design and data, a powerful tool emerges to make faster and better-informed decisions. The Klimaatstraattool by Sweco is a concrete example. This digital tool makes it possible to build street profiles interactively, while simultaneously evaluating them based on space usage, greening, water management and cost. The result is an approach where different scenarios can be compared not only visually, but also in terms of content. This provides greater insight and accelerates decision-making.

More than a design tool

The added value of this approach goes beyond design alone. The Klimaatstraattool also acts as a communication tool. Because scenarios are presented visually and clearly, it becomes easier to discuss projects with different stakeholders. This helps to create support more quickly and makes decision-making more transparent. In Hoeilaart, this approach is also linked to participation, allowing residents to gain insight into possible street designs and actively contribute to shaping their environment.