Spartacusplan, the transportation plan for the Belgian province of Limburg from 2004, is now turned into the most extensive and ambitious bus rapid transit (BRT) project in Europe. However, the proposed vehicles and network do not correspond well to the region’s highly dispersed, poly-centric structure. Moreover, the dispersed urbanisation patterns and their adverse effects need further measures than Bouwshift to facilitate the spatial transition.

The thesis explores the possible strategy for accelerating spatial transition through the interplay between urban and transportation planning. The thesis takes the lens of mobility justice by Sheller (2018), and seeks alternative paths to facilitating spatial transition without depriving accessibility on “unsuited” areas.

To achieve these objectives, a multi-criteria analysis is conducted to determine the most suitable mix of elements and vehicle automation technology, and its corresponding infrastructural requirements. Trade-offs between accessibility gains through higher levels of automation and increased infrastructure are examined. Additionally, the study categorizes the potential of each location in Limburg based on criteria related to the built environment and accessibility. Through pattern language, the study resulted in urban design patterns and digital tools for transportation planning, providing practical guidance to urban designers and transportation planners for site-specific interventions across the province.

The findings of this study suggest that, considering Limburg’s dispersed and poly-centric spatial structure, the higher infrastructural requirements for achieving level 4 driverless operations within Spartacuslijn are justified. Based on this model of dispersed BRT, the burden of densification can be shared with smaller cores, where the lifestyle is more aligned with rural areas. This can be achieved by providing accessibility and nodality in smaller cores through branch services connected to Spartacuslijn, offering single-seat rides to major destinations.

The proposed approach and strategy presented in this thesis offer a synergetic pathway for regional planning by integrating transportation planning and urban planning. Furthermore, the insights gained from this research can potentially be applied to other parts of Flanders and to dispersed urban areas worldwide.

The Netherlands has set the ambitious goal to have a fully circular economy by 2050. The Port of Rotterdam (PoR), the largest and busiest port in Europe, has strong potential to become a future circular hub. The PoR has been a major player in the seaport industry for centuries with, among others, a strong logistics sector and a robust shipbuilding industry. However, the Netherlands does not have a solid shipbreaking sector. During 2016 - 2020, an astounding 86% of the vessels that were serving Dutch beneficiaries were scrapped in the Global South. To achieve a circular maritime manufacturing sector in just under 30 years, collaboration between stakeholders is needed to realize innovative solutions. The research question is therefore how can cross-pollination between the shipbuilding industry, knowledge sector, and local makers lead to a circular ship manufacturing sector? A combination of literature review and research by design was applied to gain insight into the required changes in the material and waste flows, and the possible role of the Makers industry in realizing a Dutch circular maritime manufacturing sector. It is expected that the educational needs and skills required of the labor force will have to evolve to fit the circular economy, therefore, the requirements to ensure a just social transition were investigated. The results are a spatial vision for a circular maritime manufacturing sector anchored to the existing waterway networks of South Holland, and a road map to implement this vision. By 2050, South Holland is the leading creative maritime region, where stakeholders in the Randstad collaborate on innovative solutions based on a shared maritime identity, respect for nature, and accessible physical learning and working environments. With the projected sea level rise, achieving a circular ship manufacturing sector is poised to play a crucial role in realizing a resilient water-based future.