Landscape & Public Space
De Blankaart viewpoint enhances nature experience and water resilience
On Noordbroekstraat, close to De Blankaart nature reserve in Diksmuide, a new viewpoint offers walkers and cyclists sweeping views across the IJzer Valley. Sweco translated the need for a safer platform and improved flood protection into an accessible landscape design that brings together nature experience, education and recreation.
- Expertise:
- Liveable cities, Liveable cities
- Client
- Flanders Environment Agency (VMM)
- Location
- Noordbroekstraat along the Stenensluisvaart, near De Blankaart nature reserve in Diksmuide
- Services
- Technical preliminary study, concept design, detailed plans, tender documents, infrastructure, spatial design and structural engineering
- Partners
- 13 partners from West Flanders and France, including Westtoer, VMM and the City of Diksmuide
The former viewpoint was removed in 2024 after weathering had made the platform unsafe. At the same time, the technical installation beneath it was vulnerable to water. The renewal therefore created an opportunity to provide visitors with safe access to the landscape once again while better protecting the underlying infrastructure. This dual challenge resulted in a viewpoint that combines safety with a richer visitor experience.
Accessible viewpoint in De Blankaart
A gently sloping spiral route replaces the former steep incline and gradually guides visitors around the structure to the top. On the platform, information panels tell the story of De Blankaart’s nature and landscape. The integrated mini-amphitheatre provides a place to rest and gives guides room to address groups. This makes the viewpoint an accessible stop for walkers, cyclists and guided visitors.
Panoramic design tailored to the landscape
At the top, two enclosed walls alternate with two open sides. The enclosed surfaces provide shelter, while a transparent balustrade with a steel cable net preserves uninterrupted views across the De Blankaart surroundings. The materials and design align with the recently built viewpoints and birdwatching hides in De Blankaart, making the new structure a recognisable part of the existing landscape.
Water-resilient infrastructure along the Stenensluisvaart
The structure stands above a high-voltage substation and the control room of a weir. To better protect these vital installations against water, the high-voltage substation was raised by 40 cm. This intervention along the Stenensluisvaart was carried out by the Flanders Environment Agency as part of the ERDF project ‘Weerbare Westhoek in Werkelijkheid’.
From preliminary study to detailed design
Together with VMM, Sweco conducted the technical preliminary study and further developed the distinctive design through the concept design, detailed plans and tender documents. Infrastructure, spatial design and structural engineering were brought together in one integrated solution. Contractor Van Holme from Lo-Reninge, specialising in timber and metalwork projects, built the structure between April and September 2026 and assembled the platform on site.
Photos: © Glenn Vanderbeke
European cooperation for sustainable tourism
The viewpoint is part of the Interreg VI project Clim@TouVert, launched on 1 July 2024. Thirteen partners from West Flanders and France are jointly developing walking networks and attractive places to rest and explore. With a total budget of €3.9 million, including €2.3 million in European funding, the programme invests in sustainable walking experiences, stronger landscapes and a climate-resilient cross-border region. The De Blankaart viewpoint turns that ambition into a tangible place where recreation, nature education and water management come together.
