This thesis explores how post-growth theory can be applied spatially, using the city of Assen as a case study. It responds to a perceived disconnection between growth objectives present in Dutch planning tradition, such as the latest Nota Ruimte, and the post-growth perspective that questions this continuous population and economic growth. The relevance of shifting towards post-growth spatial planning is supported by a discussion on the limits of growth. It addresses shifting demographic trends, changing social needs and disrupted ecological systems.

To discover how the spatial application of post-growth theory can foster an alternative future for the city of Assen, the Appreciative Inquiry method is applied. Through conversations, walks and historical analysis, local qualities of Assen have been discovered. Those that align with the set post-growth goals are embraced and are further built upon. A speculative travel guide of Assen in 2076 shows what embracing these post-growth qualities could lead to. The concrete design explorations work with what is there already, so that post-growth interventions suit with the character of the city. The travel guide allows readers to experience the post-growth city and imagine what living in it could be like. By doing so, this thesis aims to bridge the gap between post-growth theory and spatial practice, showing that collaborative action towards a post-growth future is both possible and desirable. ... Read more

Amid the rapid climate change and resource depletion, there is a dire need for energy transition in all sectors for resilience. In the Netherlands, agriculture dominates land use and the economy but remains fossil-fuel dependent, contributing to environmental degradation. The industry must incorporate eco-sensitive practices while facilitating the energy transition, placing farmers at the core of this systemic transition. Furthermore, globalisation has created a distance between producer and consumer, spatially and mentally (Bock & Wiskerke, 2024), creating tensions between the farmers in the countryside and consumers in the cities, which the systemic change needs to factor in. With its fertile landscapes and high solar and wind potential, Flevoland presents a unique opportunity for synergising health, agriculture and renewable energy in the Netherlands (Staps et al., 2015). A few biodynamic farms already demonstrate eco-sensitive practices, integrating hydrogen, solar, and wind. However, these initiatives are marginalised by globalisation, market pressures, consumer demands, and policy frameworks. Therefore, this project attempts to conceptualise HOW biodynamic farming principles in Flevoland can be upscaled and combined with the sustainable energy transition to strengthen the (regional) food supply chain. Through spatial mapping and critical analysis of the supply chain and consumer behaviour, the identified opportunities and challenges are translated into a spatial vision for our transition community, i.e. the biodynamic farmers, through three zones: urban, transition, and agricultural, each supporting varying producer-consumer dynamics and shortening the chain while integrating farming, biodiversity, innovation, and renewable energy for a multifunctional and interconnected landscape. The project further delves into the existing policies and identifies synergies, conflicts, and internal dilemmas within the proposed spatial vision. The project developed scenarios to understand the exemplary measures to address the internal dilemmas and upscale the biodynamic farms in Flevoland. These measures are further translated into interconnected strategic actions predominantly as physical spatial interventions and policies to regulate market dynamics and facilitate the energy transition. All of these are supported by collaborations between stakeholders with varying vested interests and raising their awareness through educational reforms. The different zones and types of transition zones are key to implementing this vision. They are reflected at multiple scales, ranging from Flevoland at a regional level to a neighbourhood-scale pioneering pilot project in Oosterwold. The multiscalar approach, thus, accounts for an adaptive cycle that first creates a demand that enables the agricultural transition comprising spatial and legislative reorganisations, altogether reforming the environmental system. All these aspects together form a resilient food system, focusing on healthy, regional, and energy-efficient food production while giving room to nature and water. ... Read more