The thesis describes the development of the oil and gas industry in Arctic Norway. This sudden increase in wealth is causing urban developments and strong inequalities across different scales. Furthermore, it is causing friction between indigenous Sámi and non-indigenous worldviews, sustained within the culturally fragile county of Finnmark. The role of the Norwegian state is notably dubious - both historically and presently – by instating policies aimed at development through a modern lens and wealth from oil and gas extraction – especially in the city of Hammerfest. The fixation of space through this concept is disinheriting indigenous people as well as the climate, landscape and socio-economic state of Finnmark. Reindeer herders have a different conceptualization of time and space, accumulated through centuries of observation and adaptions to the seasonal cycles, and is highly dependent on the flexibility for their herds. Conflicts arise due to increasing urbanization impeding Sámi movement, creating a socio-territorial paradox. Strong uncertainties arise: will the oil and gas industry continue as planned by the Norwegian state? How does this relate to the vulnerable path-dependent relationship with the fossil industry in the future? Will development on the mainland further impede the ability of traditional practices? Through an understanding of different temporalities within urban planning and indigenous herding knowledge, the argument of the thesis unfolds over an in-depth spatiotemporal and on-site analysis of the island of Kvaløya. I argue that the triangulation of spatial modeling, research by design, cinematographic strategies and the integration of indigenous knowledge can help in improving the agency of mapping. I argue that the we should look more critically at the role of the modus operandi of urbanists and decision-makers, in their capacity of influencing and shaping the conceptual framework on which decision making is based, especially in the highly uncertain and contested territories. The thesis then moves towards a possible way forward by integrating the (indigenous) knowledge into scenario construction through transtemporal and transscalar mapping and 3d modelling. I end by arguing that the incorporation of both practical and conceptual knowledge of the territory and the ability to share and communicate this knowledge between academics, practitioners and stakeholders is critical to confront this uncertainty. The flexible and adaptive knowledge of indigenous people could therefore help into planning and decision-making processes. This will help to foster trust and build consensus among indigenous and non-indigenous participants for future decision-making. Ultimately it is a tool for (co-)creating awareness, action and allowing space for Sámi agency. ... Read more

The Amsterdam Metropolitan area, and especially Amsterdam city, attracts large amounts of people due to the diverse economy opportunities, cultural and recreational activities, and the strong connection of the region by public transport and road network. The need for space, resources, and mobility are increasing and will keep increasing due to the growth of population and, thus, the rise of demand. This unbalanced distribution requires full use of spaces and resources.

The main focus of the project is to identify what causes this unbalanced distribution by researching the different densities of the region, in order to make the region more stable and move it towards the circular economy. At the same time, the project focuses on the spatial conditions of the different neighbourhoods and tries to increase the livability levels in order for the general quality of life of the citizens will be improved. The main tool that we used during our research, but also later on the vision and strategy plan, is density. Firstly, we analyze the region by understating what the different densities that can be found in it are, and how they work. Afterwards, the focus shifts to the analysis of the different neighborhoods, trying to determinate and understand the different densities that can be found in the small scale. Finally, we try to find what opportunities and potential do these densities create for the different neighborhoods.

By analyzing the different densities and typologies in the region, we highlight the importance of sharing spaces in terms of facilities, transportation, and waste management for the inhabitants, in order to help AMA move towards a more sustainable and balanced future direction.

The innovations that we make depend on the existing situation, the density, and the character of the city. Taking into account these aspects and the regional analysis, we decide what needs to be densified in terms of facilities. These new density developments either make the existing identities of the city stronger, or, in the cases of lack of identity, we propose new ones to be adopted.

This interpretations will release the pressure on Amsterdam city, balance the region, create more livable spaces, and move the AMA towards circularity. ... Read more