Sweco Belgium
Our design for Wonderwoud is in the running for the Public Space Award
Each year, the Public Space Award celebrates the most inspiring and forward-looking public space projects in Flanders and Brussels. And what an edition: from no fewer than 73 submissions, only six top projects made it to the final — including two urban gems in which we play an important role.
For Wonderwoud in Ghent, Sweco was responsible for the entire design process: from concept development to technical detailing and execution. The Moermanpark in Roeselare is also nominated: a design by OMGEVING, for which we handled the technical development. Both projects are competing for the Public Prize. Vote before 5 May via https://congres.publiekeruimte.info/publieksprijs
The nomination of Wonderwoud in particular is a great recognition of our strength as designers of public spaces where climate adaptation, biodiversity and visitor experience are not empty slogans but true driving forces. Both projects demonstrate how public space can grow into climate-resilient, inclusive and vibrant places where people, nature and the city meet and reinforce one another. On 5 May 2026, both the jury prize and the public prize will be awarded during the Public Space Congress in Bruges.
Wonderwoud Ghent: a new green hub at the city’s edge
Wonderwoud, Ghent’s fifth green hub, is a remarkable landscape of 35 hectares of spontaneous nature development, play and discovery zones built on the mysterious substrate of a former elevated airfield. Located just seven kilometres from Ghent’s city centre, the area offers a unique mix of sand dunes, young woodland, water features and adventurous routes.
Sweco forms the design team together with Driekwart Groen and URA Architects. The project is commissioned by Nature and Forest Agency, in collaboration with the City of Ghent and the Municipality of Lochristi. By 2035, the site will expand to around 200 hectares, making Wonderwoud one of the largest green hubs in Flanders.
The jury nominated the project for its innovative approach to working with topography, water, soil and spontaneous vegetation. With design choices centred on play, wonder and natural evolution, Wonderwoud is not a traditional park but an ever-evolving landscape where visitors continuously discover new places.
Moermanpark Roeselare: from asphalt plain to cooling zone
What was once a busy parking lot is now a green lung in the heart of Roeselare. Opened in 2025, Moermanpark transformed around one hectare of paved surface into a climate-resilient park with space for meeting, sports and play. The project provides cooling in the densely built-up city centre and creates new opportunities for biodiversity and social interaction.
Sweco was responsible for the technical elaboration and supervision during construction. The design is by OMGEVING. The project has already received several awards, including the 2025 Wivina Demeester Prize and the Flemish Planning Award.
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