This thesis explores, through autobiographical action research, how the embodiment of prefigurative practices can inform urban design while simultaneously deconstructing the dominant imaginaries in which design is rooted. It begins with the premise that the current polycrisis stems from how many humans -this author included- perceive the world: through the imaginaries of Modernity, which we, as spatial designers, are responsible for reproducing. The problem lies in how we produce space (the power dynamics it enacts) (Lefebvre, 1984) and the knowledge systems that underpin it.

Thus, this project is a process of resituating spatial design practice (as experienced by this author) by exploring methods that enable alternative ways of gaining knowledge and subsequently producing space, rooted in non-Modernistic imaginaries. The primary method is the embodiment of prefigurative practices. Beginning with three intentional communities in the Netherlands, the embodiment has demonstrated how social-spatial reproduction can counter Modernistic frameworks while produce space by emphasizing lived space.
The thesis then investigates how design itself can be grounded in prefigurative practices, seeking methods to translate the knowledge gained from these communities. This exploration culminates in two main approaches: first, by documenting the communities’ practices and revealing how they deconstruct dominant imaginaries. A method that highlights alternative ways of spatial narration and grants agency to the communities as active actors. Second, by exploring how, as a spatial designer, one can embody prefigurative practices within their own context, beginning with a critical reimagining of that context, followed by a pathway for action.

This thesis contributes to feminist and activist design discourses by challenging Modernist conventions in spatial design and demonstrating how embodiment -as a method- can serve as a foundation for action. It inspires alternative spatial configurations and allows the thesis itself to both contribute to prefigurative practices and become one. The argument is twofold: spatial designers must critically reflect on the knowledge systems through which we conceive space, but more importantly, we must shift our focus from producing space through conceiving to producing space through living it, by becoming active agents in our surroundings.

Therefore, this thesis does not deliver conventional outputs. The report you are about to read is an exploration -fragmented, partial, and imperfect- an alternative pathway that invites you to critically reflect, resituate, deconstruct, and take action.
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The Port of Rotterdam is currently undergoing a crucial energy transition, promoting the production of sustainable energy in the port to provide the Netherlands with clean energy. In current approaches, though, non-human species are severely underrepresented in the spatial design of the port. This makes the port inherently unsustainable because this approach destroys current ecosystems that are beneficial for the well-being of the space and the well-being of humans living and working in these spaces. (Jørgensen, 2009; Latour, 2012). This research builds on the Post-Anthropocene philosophy and expands on this concept by integrating spatial justice and an ecosystem approach into it. In this approach, we aim to create a design that considers humans and seagulls as inhabitants of one ecosystem. Based on spatial data about seagulls and humans, we create an analysis of the spatial needs of the two species. In the analysis, we also investigate differences in energy production sources and discuss which sources are spatially and ethically just. These analyses combined form the base of a just vision of the Port of Rotterdam during the energy transition. After this, we visualize the feasibility of the new vision for the port by creating a potential strategy to achieve the created vision. This strategy visualizes the timeline in which future policies and spatial interventions are represented. We zoomed in on three key projects, which we based on key principles our strategy aims to represent spatially. The report concludes with a discussion on how the research has impacted current energy transition approaches and reflects on the conceptual foundation this research builds upon. The reflection will additionally cover ethical constraints, this research’s impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations, n.d.), its relevance to science and society, the incorporation of public goods, and recommendations for further research. ... Read more