Grand in presence, vulnerable in cohesion
With the Lebuinuskerk as its defining landmark, the Grote Kerkhof, Stromarkt and Nieuwe Markt together form the historic heart of Deventer. Over time, the coherence of these squares gradually disappeared — resulting in a fragmented image of uneven asphalt, oversized parking spaces and a barren Grote Kerkhof.
Together with residents, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, we developed a widely supported vision that re-establishes the three urban spaces as a readable and experiential whole. The Grote Kerkhof formed the first phase of this redevelopment, followed by the Stromarkt and later the Nieuwe Markt. Step by step, a continuous sequence of squares re-emerged — where use, circulation and historical context are seamlessly aligned.
Designing for, by and with the city
Earlier plans that insufficiently accounted for entrepreneurship and historical context had led to initial scepticism among residents and businesses towards a new redesign. A major challenge lay in developing a proposal that could build broad support.
For this reason, the design process was approached as an intensive participatory trajectory. Through iterative sketching and testing, a shared vision emerged of the Lebuinus squares as a coherent whole. This collaborative process gradually enabled a design in which spatial quality, feasibility and local consensus come together.
Climate adaptation beneath the surface
Beneath the surface of the Grote Kerkhof lies a carefully designed climate-adaptive system. Rainwater from surrounding streets, part of the Mariakerk and the large roof of the Lebuïnuskerk is fully disconnected from the sewer system and buffered in a separate infiltration system. Semi-permeable paving around the church allows water to infiltrate while contributing to cooling. Material use reinforces this logic: existing bricks were mixed and reused to create a new variegated paving pattern. In this way, circularity, buffering and cooling are seamlessly — and invisibly — integrated into both subsoil and surface.
Kissing squares
Together, the Lebuinus squares form a single spatial composition in which they naturally succeed one another — as if they gently “kiss”.
Tree groups provide shade and cooling. A circular reflecting pool mirrors light and sky, creating a refreshing play area on warm days. Brass tree circles with textual fragments make the site’s history tangibly present. Paving, routing and places for staying have been carefully aligned, allowing the squares to function as one cohesive urban space once again.
From the River IJssel, a continuous sequence of urban spaces unfolds—from square to square — with the Lebuïnuskerk as its guiding landmark.
Read more about the Nieuwe Markt — the final phase of the Lebuinus squares, following the Stromarkt and the Grote Kerkhof.
