Designing for climate adaptive behaviour change in IJsselmonde, Rotterdam

A research through design project to inform design for transitions

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

M.S.I. van Selm Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

I. Mulder Design Conceptualization and Communication - IDE (mentor)
R.R.R. van der Vorst Responsible Marketing and Consumer Behavior (mentor)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2019 Maaike van Selm
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Published Date

22-11-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

Our society is facing a major challenge: to combat climate change. This requires transformation into a society that does not emit greenhouse gasses. This is known. However, it is not known, how to realise this transformation. This is experienced by Gemeente Rotterdam, as they are responsible for realising the sustainable transformation of the city, and leads to the question: what can Gemeente Rotterdam do, in addition to their current strategy, to realise the sustainable transformation in IJsselmonde? This project answers the question as following: Gemeente Rotterdam can further develop and organise the design intervention Schoonschip Week in IJsselmonde. The Schoonschip Week is an organised declutter event, with provided declutter facilities. Decluttering is personal relevant to IJsselmonders, as it increases mental health (tidy house, tidy mind). Decluttering is considered to be a reflective activity, in the climate adaptive behaviour category belongings. Reflection on behaviour in a climate adaptive category, is expected to lead to (receptiveness for)climate adaptive behaviour - which is needed to realise the sustainable transformation.
By organising the Schoonschip Week, it can be evaluated if this is indeed the case. If so, this design intervention can also be used (or adapted) for the sustainable transformation of other districts in Rotterdam.

The question of Gemeente Rotterdam, is a question in a sustainable transition context. Creating an answer for this question through a design project, is designing for transitions. This project is carried out with the help of a map and design approach, which are created based on the indicated limitations and recommendations for research for the transition design practice. Both are experienced as valuable within this project. The creation, use and evaluation of the map and design approach, inform the transition design practice how to design for transitions - and contribute to the development of this emerging discipline, that aims to realise sustainable transitions with a design-led approach.