Air quality guidance for urban developments in Antwerp

From 2016 to 2018, intendant Alexander D’Hooghe and his team initiated and supervised the 'Over De Ring' (Above the Ring) urban redesign process for the area around the Antwerp ring road.

After that, a process was started with various organizations and citizens to arrive at concrete and feasible liveability projects for the Antwerp ring road. These projects include partially covering the ring road and other spatial and infrastructural measures that aim to improve the quality of life in the ring zone. During this process, work was carried out in six sub-zones where a dedicated urban design team set to work. VITO has supported the team of the intendant and all design teams on air quality.

In the various phases of the design process, qualitative and quantitative feedback have been given to indicate the impact of the liveability projects in the ring zone on local air quality.

This was done on the basis of the available expertise and detailed air quality modelling, using ATMO-Street tailored to future outlooks for 2020 and 2030. The close involvement in the design processes and the short lines of communication with the various teams formed a good approach to allow VITO’s knowledge and experience with air quality to be reflected in the liveability projects.

 

covering parts of antwerp ring road nitrogent dioxide
Air quality maps showing the difference in nitrogen dioxide concentration when covering parts of the Antwerp ring road.

 

Client: Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW)

Year: 2016-2018