Realizing Happy Environments

Felixx Landscape Architects and Planners

Short description

Felixx is a dynamic and internationally active landscape architecture firm, founded in 2014 by Michiel Van Driessche, Deborah Lambert and Marnix Vink. Our dedicated and diverse team – originating from countries from all over the world – comprises designers, researchers, architects, landscape architects, biologists, urban planners and a support team, who share a profound commitment to addressing global climate challenges and creating happy environments worldwide.

Over the past decade, the agency has experienced remarkable growth, witnessing the thriving community of the Felixx club and has developed into an office with an international scope, with ongoing projects in The Netherlands and abroad. Our projects range from spatial research, landscape transformation strategies and masterplans, to public space and product design. Teams are tailored for each assignment, comprehensive experience is merged with uninhibited enthusiasm and creativity. We remain engaged to our projects from initiation till completion, working in full collaboration with our clients and partners during research, design, technical and construction stages.

Felixx believes a better world requires a better organization of our environment. As landscape architects, we pursue several trajectories in our efforts to offset the negative effects of climate change. The majority of our work is based on the concept of Nature-based Solutions rooted in our knowledge of ecosystem dynamics and expertise in water management, soils, and vegetation. This approach allows us to implement structural adaptation measures and transform inert spaces into productive landscapes that protect cities and deliver multiple economic, environmental, and social benefits. Therefore our spaces work for people as well as birds, ants, butterflies, and other species simultaneously.

Based on the thorough research conducted by our office, sites visits and excursions and the application of our knowledge of best practices, our designs lead to important changes in municipal policies and regulations, including the incorporation of blue-green infrastructure as part of the street and public space design. Our projects, such as the reforestation in Iceland, serve as an instrument of advocacy for nature inclusivity and urge cities to adopt better ecosystem management practices. Climate change presents continuously evolving challenges to our profession but we find ourselves well-equipped to respond with tools we learned from different cultures, nature, and experiences.

For several years now, Felixx has been developing as an expert in the field of Nature-based Solutions, and has published A Catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Resilience (2021) on behalf of the Worldbank. In addition to research, Felixx realizes projects based on NBS at all scale levels. A large-scale coastal defense project is currently being realized in Shenzhen, the development vision based on NBS is being drawn up in Almere, work is being done in Antwerp on the Water Master Plan for Oude Landen, and in Cartagena Felixx is part of Water as Leverage together with Witteveen+Bos to improve the water system of the city. Always looking to expand our knowledge and our network, Felixx attended the United Nations 2023 Water Conference where the Water as Leverage project was officially presented. We returned home inspired, and proud to be able to contribute to the bold Water Action Agenda that gives our world's lifeblood the commitment it deserves.

We see ourselves not just as practitioners, but as activists – advocating for climate adaptation and resilience at an international level. After almost 10 years of experience on professional activism, Felixx aspires to enact transformative change by sharing the positive aspect of the world we share. Motivating clients, stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities to embrace sustainable practices and support climate action. With our Design Guideline Liveability of Public Space commissioned by the municipality of Groningen (NL), we made an inspiration document for a new kind of public space with less space for parked cars and more space for green, sports, play and social interaction. Next to ecological benefits, we witness our interventions leading to behavioral changes - more people biking and using the landscape for active recreation and sports, reducing energy consumption, resulting in stronger, more resilient, and healthier communities.

Not only in our projects, but also in our daily work environment nature takes center stage at Felixx, seamlessly integrating green elements into the urban landscape. With the momentous occasion of our upcoming 10-year anniversary, Felixx bids farewell to its previous location and has moved into a new office. With a generous floor area exceeding 700 m², the office boasts a vibrant and eco-friendly atmosphere, reminiscent of a lush green jungle. Next to the workstations, the space accommodates a central gathering spot known as the 'Happy Island,' fostering a sense of collaboration and togetherness. Our new work environment not only supports our growth but also embodies the important values that define our corporate culture. It establishes a healthy and green atmosphere that cultivates a harmonious and thriving work community.