In the 1999 book Gender Trouble, feminist philosopher Judith Butler first introduced the term “gender performativity.” While the popular feminist belief is that the categories “male” and “female” have biological foundations (sex) but are also socially and culturally constructed (gender), they argued differently. According to Butler, even sex is discursively constructed, and these categories are cultural interpretations of the body. This interpretation is carried forward by continuously repeating various acts—such as dressing, speaking, interacting, and taking on roles—thus creating a natural appearance, as in a performance.

This performance is not completely free, however, but is profoundly influenced by social norms, politics, society, culture, and, in part, the built environment. Even the public spaces we pass through and inhabit every day deeply influence how we act, how we position ourselves in the world, and how our subjectivity is shaped, both internally and externally. From German philosopher Walter Benjamin, who saw the arcades of 19th-century Paris as the physical representation of capitalism shaping the new character of “the consumer,” and the Haussmannian boulevards as symbols of governmental imperial ambitions, to French philosopher and sociologist Henri Lefebvre, who promoted citizens’ right to reappropriate the city from capitalist control, the city has never been a neutral and blank playground, but rather a battleground of interests.

If, as French philosopher Michel Foucault argues, every human relation is shaped by dynamics of power and control, and space is also a product of forces, then the questions of how space is gendered, how the spatial connotations of our cities influence gender performance, and who is marginalized in this process are rightfully asked.

Our cities are still profoundly organized according to an outdated view of gender roles. Women and queer people are disproportionately more at risk of harassment and sexual violence due to gender discrimination, poor lighting conditions, and unsafe areas. Transport systems prioritize commuting patterns associated with male workers, and gender-binary spaces continue to separate people, physically and beyond.

In this context, the Northern Italian region of Veneto represents an interesting case with strong potential. Presenting a typical example of la città diffusa (the diffuse city) landscape, where medium-sized service-oriented cities are separated by strongly agricultural and industrial conservative small centres, gender norms can still be clearly read in the urban fabric.

Therefore, this thesis argues that, in the context of a deeply political and gendered public space, facilitating—through time- and space-aware urban design—a freer and safer performance of gender for those who do not fit the current normed status quo would would implement the aforementioned would “right to the city” theory by Lefebvre.
“right to the city” theory by Lefebvre. ... Read more

The energy transition is advancing, and the share of renewable energy is increasing. The intermittent nature of these energy sources is introducing problems with energy security throughout the day and putting extra pressure on an already heavily congested electricity grid. To alleviate these problems, heavy investments in battery energy storage systems are necessary. But it is important that the energy transition is equitable, and all social classes benefit from it.
This study investigates how we can implement spatial strategies for renewable energy in the U16 region in order to promote an inclusive energy transition. Four communities were identified, and their profile was developed through street interviews, semi-structured interviews and literature review. Through spatial analyses the communities were identified in the U16 region. By connecting different communities in close proximity, clusters were identified which have high potential for collaborative energy strategies. Existing policy and regulation measures to promote sustainability measures were analyzed, and policies were developed to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, alleviate congestion on the electricity grid and kickstart investments in large-scale battery energy storage deployments.
Two scenarios were developed, one scenario to reach the goal of becoming net carbon neutral in 2050, and one for the timeframe after. The scenario until 2050 includes technological strategies like large scale deployment of sodium-ion batteries, and plug-in solar panels to be installed on balconies and facades. Other strategies include investments by public and private parties in battery storage, and policy recommendations like building mandates and incentives for dynamic energy contracts. The interrelationship between communities is the core of these approaches, creating an interplay between the strengths and weaknesses of these groups. After 2050, strategies are suggested to develop large scale hydrogen production and storage to provide seasonal energy storage. Also, the development of an intercontinental energy grid is suggested, to deploy solar installations in countries around the equator. Using these methods, renewable energy can power society, while benefiting all demographics and communities.
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