Landscape and Public Space: building tomorrow’s living environment

Designing with an eye for context and transition

A landscape is more than just the backdrop to our lives: it is a combination of natural elements, such as soil, water, fauna and flora, and human-made structures, such as artworks, infrastructure, and buildings. Public space is where all these aspects converge – where people meet and move around.

The design of your project begins with a thorough analysis of the location, its history, and meaning. We reflect on the key transitions relevant to your context – from climate adaptation and biodiversity to social cohesion, culture, and mobility – and translate these into achievable objectives tailored to the community.

We test and refine spatial scenarios through design-led research. We bring together disciplines such as landscape architecture, ecology, mobility, and engineering in an integrated approach. Flexibility and life-cycle thinking are embedded in our methodology.

Added value through integrated design

Sweco’s strength lies in the combination of design, engineering, project management, environmental studies, and participation. This makes it possible to approach projects holistically – from public parks and squares to integrating infrastructure and artworks into their urban or landscape setting. Think of waterways and sea defences, cycling networks and station terrains, squares, parks, and streets. We also work on landscape integration and surrounding works for buildings and industrial complexes. The result: solutions that are not only aesthetically and formally sound, but also functionally and sustainably embedded in their environment.

Responding to urgent societal challenges

Our designs address today’s most pressing issues:

• Climate adaptation, through softening, water buffering, and greening to reduce heat stress.
• Biodiversity, by restoring ecological value in design and strengthening connections.
• Cultural layering, with designs that are tailored to place and respect history.
• Modal shift, by creating space for pedestrians, cyclists, and high-quality public transport.
• Health and well-being, through green rest areas and sports facilities.
• Spatial quality, vital in a fragmented landscape like Flanders.
• Budget awareness, through efficient resource management and well-considered choices – including in the cost approach to maintenance and upkeep.

Expertise that moves you forward

Working with Sweco means choosing long-standing design experience combined with broad technical expertise. Our teams safeguard your budget and construction costs, keep an eye on long-term management, and actively involve stakeholders in the process. This way, you get a design that not only delivers value today, but continues to create value well into the future.

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