By redeveloping the Stationsstraat in Lanaken and reconsidering its lay-out, more green has led to a totally new perception. Nowadays, cars are considered visitors. Alongside the shopping street and located on the sunny side in the so-called perception area, 25 green islands, diverged with terraces, have been realised.

The organically designed islands are raised and offer seating space for visitors and inhabitants. Each island is embellished with one or more multi-stemmed trees and underneath them grass varieties such as Carex and Liriope. The multistems instantly give the shopping street more character then traditional high-stemmed trees. Moreover, for the shopping audience it’s a great place to be. By implementing light species with delicate leafs, like Zelkova serrata and Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Elegantissima’ the sun light is filtered beautifully and there is enough shade.

The design and choices in assortment for the Stationsstraat were conceptualized by bureau VERBEEK and Coenen Sättele Architecten. D+A consult was responsible for the technical design. Main contractor was Van de Kreeke and subcontractor Dolmans Landscaping Beringen created the green outdoor space.

Trees chosen for this project: Acer griseum, Amelanchier lamarckii, Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Elegantissima’, Magnolia loebneri ‘Merrill’, Platanus orientalis ‘Minaret’, Zelkova serrata ‘Urban Ruby’.