The thesis aims to unveil and challenge institutionalized gender hierarchical relations between the military and women in conflict environments. It critically examines the military as an institution inherently intertwined with conflict in periods of war and during periods of conflict. The thesis argues that the military plays a significant role in shaping and maintaining gender power structures, through institutional perceptions and spatial practices. It explores the relationship between the military and women and how institutionalized gender perceptions contribute to the widening gap between them, using Cyprus as a case study. Through the use of visual ethnography as a primary methodology, the thesis seeks to shed light and challenge the oppressive prescript narratives and power dynamics imposed on women by the military. Using Nicosia and Pyla as a case study, conflict environments where inhabitants have normalized the experiences of living with the constant presence of the military, the thesis spatializes its theoretical framework. It utilizes tools and insights gained from theoretical and artistic analyses, to make visible and challenge the gender institutional perceptions, fixed gender roles, and spatialities that feed gender hierarchical structures. The ultimate goal is to expose this issue in various existing and ongoing conflict environments.

The Port of Rotterdam has always been a pivotal player in the energy sector. Predominantly, in the oil-based generation of energy and the consequent export of raw material. However, there is a need for a systemic shift in the energy sector as the Netherlands embarks toward its goal to become 100% carbon neutral by 2050. An analysis of the prevalent scenario revealed that the fossil-based energy production systems are not only embedded in the physical infrastructure of the region (Zuid Holland) but also in its social, economic and geopolitical networks. This means that as we phase out fossil fuels, its implications will be witnessed on both the local as well as global scales. Keeping this in mind, “Transtopia” aims to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy (production - consumption) by proposing synergies between the Port of Rotterdam and the rest of the Zuid Holland region. Primarily, by decentralizing, diversifying renewable energy production, and activating the potentialities of its regional landscapes to harness energy. It proposes endogenous methods of co-creating energy landscapes aimed to establish a resilient and adaptable energy system. One where all sectors of society (civil, public and private) can contribute and play an active role in facilitating this transition. Consequently, the spatial relations between areas of energy consumption and production can be seen as activators of urban development in Zuid Holland. Not only by strengthening the economic resilience of the region in face of the energy transition, but also ensuring social integration in this change by co-creating new infrastructure initiated by a collaboration of active sectors. Additionally, Transtopia focuses on the transformation of the port into a renewable energy hub. Since selected renewable energy such as solar, wind and biomass will be produced locally, the port becomes a backbone for the production and distribution of hydrogen in the Netherlands and around the globe. As an energy hub, the port will also facilitate research and innovation for renewable energy, establishing collaborations with universities and institutions to constantly improve the functionality of the newly integrated renewable energy systems. Transtopia aims to accelerate energy transition, focusing on engaging multiple stakeholders by creating policies. Thereby ensuring different levels of systems and synergies, which will eventually transform the urban environment into a symbiotic landscape, with a resilient and inclusive energy system that creates opportunities for economic growth.