As global air travel continues to rise, airports are investing in smoother passenger experiences: particularly during the departure process. Yet for many passengers, the moment of arrival remains stressful. At airports, this problem is particularly present for leisure passengers carrying heavy baggage. This thesis investigates how the Bag-to-Remote concept (wherein checked baggage is delivered directly from the airport to the passenger’s hotel) can enhance the arrival experience. Based on a user-centred design approach and structured by the Double Diamond model, the research consists of passenger interviews, expert consultations, journey mapping, case studies, and design methods to uncover insights across the baggage journey.The findings show that passengers experience peak stress at two moments: waiting for baggage and continuing onward travel. For families and group passengers in particular, baggage creates a mental and physical burden. Interviews and evaluations confirmed that passengers would value a service that removes this burden, as long as it is built into trust, integrated seamlessly into existing booking and travel routines, and clearly demonstrate relief. As a solution for this problem, the thesis proposes a modular, opt-in Bag-to-Remote service built on those three core principles: trust, integration, and relief. Passengers can join the service at five different stages: from booking their trip until arriving at the airport. Each stage is linked to a tiered benefit level. The service is supported by six key features, including one-click airline and/or airport integration, real-time tracking via email and a personal bag portal, and physical service closure via baggage tags. A detailed service blueprint visualizes how frontstage passenger actions align with possible backstage logistics.The proposed solution not only offers value to the passengers, but also airlines, airport operators, customs authorities, hotels, and logistics partners. The thesis also outlines a three-phase roadmap for implementation: a pilot phase, scaling up, and full integration. In conclusion, Bag-to-Remote is more than a convenience service. By transforming the baggage journey from a burden into a supportive, passenger-centred solution, the service has the potential to redefine arrival at airports, seeking to modernize the arrival journey experience.

In an era marked by pressing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, our project embarked on a transformative journey, envisioning a future where nature-based strategies not only combat climate change but also foster economic prosperity and social justice.

With CO2 emissions reaching alarming levels and posing grave threats to the environment, human health, and global stability, conventional approaches to combat climate change often fall short in addressing the intricate interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors. Our research sought to tackle this challenge towards a just transition to a low-carbon economy: “How can we design a circular economy of carbon storage focussing on nature-based solutions?"

Grounded in the principles of sustainability and equity, our approach initially focused on proposing nature-based solutions to reduce CO2 levels. However, recognizing the need for a holistic transformation, our methodology evolved to integrate bio-based economy concepts and community-centric design principles. This involved a rigorous examination of existing policies, spatial analyses, and stakeholder engagement to develop a comprehensive strategy.
The overarching goal was to present a visionary blueprint for transforming land use, emphasizing nature-based solutions as central to carbon mitigation efforts while fostering economic development and social resilience. This entailed the creation of green corridors, the establishment of productive communities, and the promotion of collaboration within the bio-based economy.

Through our research, we identified forests and wetlands as beneficial nature-based storage methods for the Netherlands, with significant potential to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite spatial conflicts and implementation challenges, investing in the bio-based economy, particularly in construction using bio-based materials, emerged as a promising avenue for economic growth. Our phased approach to implementation outlined pathways for achieving equitable CO2 reduction while maximizing environmental and social benefits.

Our work extends far beyond environmental conservation. By presenting a transformative vision that integrates nature-based solutions with socio-economic considerations, we offer a roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and communities to navigate the complexities of climate change mitigation. This matters because it signals a paradigm shift towards sustainable development, where the preservation of nature goes hand in hand with economic prosperity and social equity, ensuring a resilient and thriving future for generations to come.