On Friday 30 January, The State of Urban Design was officially presented in Utrecht. This remarkable publication celebrates 25 years of the BNSP – the Dutch Association of Urban Designers and Planners – and highlights the strength and diversity of urban design practice in the Netherlands. The publication presents a powerful overview of contemporary urban design in the Netherlands, bringing together 250 projects that are either in preparation or currently under construction. Collectively, they show that the country has no shortage of ideas or determination. Throughout the Netherlands, well-developed and integrated plans are already tackling the housing task while at the same time engaging with major societal transitions — from economic growth and public facilities to soil and water systems, mobility, climate adaptation and the energy transition.

Its presentation took place on the very day the new coalition agreement was announced, reinforcing the urgency of its message: plans for 1.4 million homes already exist. What is needed now is execution. The spatial frameworks, strategic thinking and design expertise are available — the next step is to bring these plans into practice.The State of Urban Design is an inspiring and informative publication, offering valuable insights for designers, policymakers, administrators, and students committed to shaping the future of the Netherlands.


 

We are proud to see several Karres en Brands projects featured in the book. Our work spans landscape urbanism, mixed-use residential developments, and the transformation of existing urban areas. It also highlights projects we supervise like the stationdistrict of Nijmegen, as well as our toolbox of transitions between public and private spaces. A special mention is given to our design for Defensie-eiland in Woerden, recognised as one of the most influential and talked-about projects of the past 25 years.

The book feature o.a.
– Bosrijk in Eindhoven
– Hart van Zuid in Rotterdam
– Blossem and Bread in Breda
– Senzora Fabriek in Deventer
– Backer + Rueb in Breda
– Spoorzone in Doetinchem
– Poort van Hoorn in Hoorn
– Spoorzone in Tilburg
– Weezenlanden Noord in Zwolle
– De Draai in Heerhugowaard
– Reevedelta in Kampen
– MARK in Utrecht