Frank Aikema is a senior urban designer for the City of Groningen and an independent consultant with extensive experience across the Netherlands. He works at the intersection of strategy, design, and policy, focusing on spatial coordination across scales—from regional frameworks to the design of individual streets and public spaces. His strength lies in connecting ambitions, programmes and developments, aligning them spatially to enhance both urban quality and liveability.
In Groningen, Frank plays a central role in the strategic alignment of spatial developments in the northeast part of the city, including large-scale transformation areas like the Healthy Ageing Campus, Zernike, and multiple residential neighbourhoods. He is also actively involved in citywide programmes such as the mobility strategy “Groningen Goed op Weg”, the spatial vision “Levende Ruimte” (Living Space), and the new public space framework “Nieuwe Ruimte”, which sets out a cohesive approach to the design and management of public spaces.
Frank strongly believes in the transformative power of public space. For him, high-quality public space is not just a backdrop to urban life—it actively shapes it. Streets, squares, and green areas must invite people to move, meet and identify with their surroundings. Walking plays a key role in this: it connects functions, strengthens the social fabric, supports local economies, and helps define the character of a place. A walkable city is not just accessible, but also legible, attractive and inclusive.
With his design motto “more by less”, Frank advocates for clear and consistent design that enhances orientation, identity and spatial quality. He has led the development of integrated public space strategies and has supported various municipalities in aligning spatial developments with ambitions for sustainability, mobility, and climate adaptation.