Where space is scarce, proximity and justice matter
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Nijmegen faces a fundamental spatial challenge. The city is growing in residents, jobs and visitors, while physical space is limited and societal challenges continue to accumulate. Studio D was asked to work with the municipality on the Environmental Vision 2050. Together, we shaped the spatial strategy and translated the city’s ambitions into clear, layered and guiding future perspectives.
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How do you shape a city that is both future-proof and socially just?
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The Environmental Vision for Nijmegen looks ahead to 2050 and places the principle of proximity at its core, both physical and social.
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From a design-led perspective, policy ambitions were translated into spatial choices and strategic main structures within the vision. Together with the municipality’s core team, we explored how principles such as proximity, justice and health can take spatial form. We also contributed to defining the spatial main structures, clarifying guiding principles and developing area-specific development trajectories.
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A liveable city
A green and healthy city for both human and non-human nature. Preserving, strengthening and expanding both the extent and quality of green spaces is central. This not only enhances biodiversity, but also helps protect the city against the impacts of climate change.
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A future-proof city
The natural water system and soil structure form the basis for spatial choices and development. Nijmegen builds in locations that align with the carrying capacity of the landscape, creates space for water and strengthens natural systems.
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A sustainable city
The city is working towards a climate-adaptive living environment by 2050, with greater biodiversity and a strong contribution to the circular economy. By 2030, CO₂ emissions will be reduced by 55%, and by 2035 the main climate adaptation bottlenecks will have been resolved.
A strong vision does not create certainty, but provides direction
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The vision is founded on six guiding principles, including ‘efficient use of space’, ‘working towards broad prosperity’ and ‘building a just city’. We helped translate these principles into concrete spatial strategies and area-based challenges. For each district, we contributed to finding the right balance between densification, liveability and identity.
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We developed the cartographic translation and future perspectives, and contributed to the overarching narrative of the vision—not as a fixed end state, but as an invitation to collectively build the city.
A city where physical proximity goes hand in hand with social connection and equality.
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