The City of Helmond is about to make a grave mistake.

From the late 90’s onwards, master architect Rob Krier and his team set out to create a complete and visionary plan for the second phase of Brandevoort, a plan that respects the original character, beauty, and success of the first phase which is now internationally admired as a model of humane, successful urbanism.

But now, the municipality has chosen to throw that plan away.

Instead, it is proposing a new design direction that breaks with the core identity of Brandevoort, despite the fact that sustainability, affordability, and increased housing capacity could all be fully realized within the existing plan.

This is not just a local matter.

Brandevoort has received praise from architects and urbanists across the globe—from the USA to Italy, Sweden to Guatemala—for its livability, timeless design, and its powerful demonstration that we can still build beautiful cities today. 

Replacing a proven, award-winning urban model with yet another generic development is a tragic waste of potential.

We demand that the City of Helmond:

• Halts the current redesign process;
• Reconsiders and reactivates the 2006 masterplan by Rob Krier;
• Embraces a true form of sustainability—one that builds for generations, not for trends;
• Recognizes Brandevoort as a cultural and urban legacy that deserves continuation, not rupture.

Let’s build places our children will thank us for. Let’s not ruin one of the Netherlands’ few internationally celebrated urban projects.

For more information, watch this YouTube video about Brandevoort:

Sign this petition and help protect Brandevoort’s legacy.