Utrecht

In the 1970s, Utrecht’s historic Catharijnesingel canal was infilled to construct a 12-lane motorway, erasing a vital piece of the city’s heritage. Decades later, water was reintroduced as part of an ambitious restoration project, transforming the space into a vibrant, climate-resilient urban park. This initiative reduces urban heat, mitigates flooding risks, and enhances biodiversity, creating habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species. The canal's revival reconnects neighborhoods, fosters mental and physical health through accessible green spaces, and celebrates Utrecht's cultural legacy, showcasing the power of sustainable urban regeneration​