This research addresses the critical issue that superdiversity is often still treated as a threat to be managed, rather than an opportunity for improvement. To shift this perspective, this research asks: How can urban design interventions enhance public familiarity in a neighborhood with superdiversity? Through an iterative process of research by design, literature review, interviews, and site observation, this research explores how urban design can enhance the conditions to build public familiarity.

A framework of five principles is established: Mixed-Use, Routine Integration, Lifecycle-Proof, Inviting, and Sense of Ownership. First, integrating ‘mixed-use’, ‘routine integration’, and ‘lifecycle-proof’ design creates reasons to go outside, establishes intuitive pedestrian flows, and ensures a cross-generational human presence. Second, ‘inviting’ and ‘sense of ownership’ actively encourage people to linger. These principles build public familiarity by generating repeated encounters and encouraging prolonged stays.

These principles were translated into concrete spatial interventions within the specific context of the Schilderswijk, applied across three scales: the ensemble, the pocket, and the district. This research shows that all five spatial principles are essential by successfully balancing movement and lingering across the three scales. Certain spatial interventions influence multiple principles across different scales, while other interventions are strictly necessary to fulfill a principle at one specific scale. A fundamental catalyst for this transformation is reducing car dominance to free up public space, which must then be designed with a delicate balance of physical openness and programmatic clarity. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that by designing across three spatial scales using the five principles of public familiarity, the well-being of a superdiverse neighborhood like the Schilderswijk can be significantly improved.

In a political climate marked by budget constraints and a lack of political will for large-scale reconstruction, this research offers a strategy of small-scale, gradual interventions. Finally, this research demonstrates that by moving away from threat-based management, urban design can effectively utilize this framework to unlock the true social value of superdiverse communities. ... Read more

The current energy transition efforts in the Netherlands are insufficient to achieve a healthy society. The Netherlands Climate Agreement 2030 goal to reduce climate emissions by 50%, is projected to not be met unless more drastic measures are taken (Corder, 2024). In this report, the first step taken to achieve this is the mandated removal of fossil fuels. The removal of this industry in the port of Rotterdam is the catalyst for change that shapes a health-based strategic vision for the port and the surrounding Rijnmond region.

To achieve this vision, research was conducted to determine strategic interventions to be taken related to the necessary energy, climate and societal transition. The research specifically identifies the workers of the region as the transition community that is most negatively impacted by the removal of fossil fuels from the port. The research methods used include fieldwork, a literature review to define “health”, action mapping on a 100 year timeline, and analysis on relevant policy, spatial planning, and stakeholders.

The health framework created focuses on preventative measures, and includes the built, natural, mobility, and social environment. Radical imagination and theory on “degrowth” principles were also used to develop the vision. Ultimately, by dividing the port of Rotterdam into zones that each have their own identity based on our health principles, a 100 year strategy was created for a regenerative port, and in turn, a healthy region, that future generations can enjoy and take pride in.
This report defines a “healthy future” vision that can serve as an example for future regional planning efforts and policies. This example is not only applicable in the Netherlands but in all fossil fuel transition landscapes and communities, and not only for workers, but for all living beings.
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