A city cannot exist without its periphery. But how can we strengthen the symbiosis between city and periphery? Design research by bureau Omgeving sketches a fascinating future vision for the Ghent city periphery.

Today, the city’s periphery is often an unattractive and chaotic place. It has low density, inadequate public space and mobility that is almost exclusively car-oriented. The publication presents some radical concepts for transforming the periphery. Space-consuming residential allotment districts and linear settlements disappear, while more favourably located spots urbanise. Space is freed up for nature, agriculture and urban recreation. The car is no longer king. City and periphery are given back to pedestrians, cyclists, e-bikes, trams and cargo boats. A new, circular economy will turn city and periphery into a self-sustaining system.

The study was created on the occasion of 40 years of Omgeving and was exhibited at the Ghent city museum STAM this summer. The publication is extensively illustrated with photos and detailed drawings and plans.

This book is only available in Dutch.