How the city of Groningen transformed itself into an exemplary city
Groningen Vismarkt in the past. Source: Groninger Archieven
Groningen Vismarkt today. Source: Groninger Archieven
The research into exemplary mid-sized European cities continues. After a successful display in Graz, Austria, the exhibition, ‘Bold City, Brave Decisions: How the City of Groningen Transformed Itself into an Exemplary City’, returns to its home city. It will be on view in the main hall of the Municipality of Groningen’s Gedempte Zuiderdiep location, where De Zwarte Hond aims to inspire both citizens and experts. The exhibition invites viewers to join a dialogue about Groningen’s future, explore its public and political dimensions, and promote connections and exchanges among its residents.
While Groningen is already seen as an exemplary city, we look forward, within the framework of the Let’s Gro festival, to casting a critical eye on contemporary policies and developments. Gathering input from the city and its residents on which brave decisions are still needed to maintain Groningen’s exemplary status, De Zwarte Hond will integrate this information into recommendations for the city as part of the research project on mid-sized European cities. Findings from different host cities will soon be publicly available on the Bold City, Brave Decisions website.
“People in mid-sized cities are often happy with the quality of life their cities offer. Leaders in these cities often make significant and courageous decisions that truly impact residents’ quality of life. This is something from which we can all learn,” – Jeroen de Willigen, curator of the exhibition.
The exhibition explores Groningen’s transformation into a model city
About the Exhibition
In Northwestern Europe, many mid-sized cities are evolving into highly attractive places to live, and Groningen is no exception. The city faces a variety of challenges as its population steadily grows: How can growing cities develop sustainably? How can livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities grow with their populations? Whom can we learn from to make inspired decisions in designing and managing the cities of tomorrow? And, most importantly, how can we ensure a high quality of life in a socially and environmentally sustainable city? In short, how can we make cities livable today?
In its 35 years of existence, De Zwarte Hond has played a key role in shaping the architectural and urbanistic development of Groningen. With the exhibition “Bold city, brave decisions: How the city of Groningen transformed itself into an exemplary city,” the office provides insights into the transformation of the Dutch city in recent decades. After an overview of Groningen’s historical development, three of the most important ‘brave decisions’ and their implementation in different phases of city development are presented. Together, these brave decisions over the past century have made Groningen the compact, distinctive, and exemplary city it is today.
Tentoonstelling Bold city, brave decisions
The research on exemplary mid-sized European cities continues. Although Groningen already stands as an exemplary city, we look forward to a critical look at current policies and developments as part of the Let’s Gro festival.
How can growing cities respond to recent challenges for sustainable urban development? How can we create highly livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities that grow with their populations? Whom can we learn from to make inspired decisions on how to design and manage the cities of the future? How can we ensure a high quality of life in a socially and environmentally sustainable city? In other words, how can we make cities livable today?
In Northwestern Europe, many mid-sized cities are developing into highly attractive places to live. Groningen is one of these cities, with a steadily growing population and diverse challenges. Over its 35 years, De Zwarte Hond has played a crucial role in shaping Groningen’s architecture and urban landscape. Through this exhibition, the firm takes a closer look at the city, offering insights into its transformation over recent decades and its path forward.
data
- Location
- Groningen, NL
- Size
- Client
- Gemeente Groningen
- Discipline
- Urban Design
- Program
- Cultuur, Integrale verstedelijkingsstrategie
- Period
- 2023-2024
- Status
- Completed
- themes
