Begraafplaats Leuven

In collaboration with Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, a masterplan was developed for the Central Cemetery of the City of Leuven. As part of this process, Plant & Houtgoed explored how the ongoing transition toward a more biodiverse and climate-resilient cemetery could be further reinforced. In addition to nature-oriented management, disturbance was identified as one of the key drivers of vegetation dynamics within the specific context of a cemetery. Such disturbances encourage pioneer vegetation, which forms a valuable complement to more stable species-rich grasslands and shrub zones.

A range of vegetation types is integrated based on existing plant communities and spatial clusters. These are linked through a gradient-based approach, allowing for fluid transitions across the site. The resulting landscape shifts from open, nutrient-poor grasslands and low rocky vegetation to dense woodland zones. This creates a spatial rhythm of open and enclosed areas, with a focus on framed views, long sightlines and layered vistas.

The careful sequencing of varying heights and densities ensures a rich spatial experience throughout the cemetery, where the past and future of the landscape meet and evolve in a natural and meaningful way.