Outdoor play is declining, with negative consequences for children’s development, physical health, mental well being and social relations. More action is needed than the presence of a singular playground in a neighborhood to make outdoor play popular again in this digital and urbanized century.

This thesis studies how an urban environment can be transformed into a child-friendly and playful environment that ensures a liveable future. By finding spatial solutions for not only a playground, but different interventions through different scales. The necessity for a variety of design solutions arises from the differing needs of children from different age groups, varying play personalities and orientations towards either biophilia or videophilia. A range of eyes on the streets, accessibility, mix of nature and variety of play are all essential elements in the design of outdoor play spaces. Connecting different play areas enhances accessibility and encourages exploration, enriching the overall experience for users.
Incorporating comfort-focused play structures and nature-inspired play structures is essential to meet the needs for the range of target groups. The integration of these structures into one spatial design represents an effective step towards successful play areas in this digital and urbanized century. ... Read more

The global water crisis could 'spiral out of control' due to overconsumption, pollution, and climate change. Building resilient freshwater systems is one of the most significant challenges in the face of climate change.
The Rhine River basin is home to over 60 million people. It's a center for trade, industry, and food production. However, the region's complex ecosystem is currently under threat from direct and indirect consequences of human activity. The ecosystems and habitats are disappearing, and pollution is still present in the water due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. The growing population and increasing industrial demand for water use are putting a significant strain on the freshwater flow and supply, while droughts and floods further exacerbate the issue. This has resulted in the depletion of the quality of freshwater, creating further environmental risks..
The goal is to create an integrative and resilient Rhine River basin, with a special focus on the South Holland delta, which enhances the well-being of citizens, improves biodiversity, and ensures climate justice through the preservation of freshwater.
To achieve this, our vision for the Fresh Rhine employs a range of theories and methods such as resilience, sustainability, and nature-based solutions. They are applied in four critical locations: Lake Constance as the main water reservoir of the system; the area around the city of Kaub, a "blocked artery" of the river, especially sensitive to droughts; the Ruhr area, the main industrial center and pollutor of the region; and finally - the South Holland delta, where all these different conditions come together and meet the sea, another big threat to freshwater. The strategy focuses on renaturing the shorelines, reintroducing wetlands, and creating networks of wetland biotopes, as well as employing innovative ways of water reuse in agriculture, industries, and cities.
This will require collaboration between stakeholders, including government, private companies, civil society groups, and local communities. Ultimately, the project envisions a future where the Rhine River basin and the delta are leaders in sustainable water management, and a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
The implications of our strategy can extend beyond just the Rhine River basin. We aim to provide a more integrative approach to regional strategies for freshwater management in rivers that span across borders. The outcome of this project can be built upon for other regions facing similar challenges and provide a roadmap for creating resilient freshwater systems. ... Read more