This thesis examines the use of toxic tours as a method to research waste, tourism, and toxicity in Amsterdam’s Red-Light District. The research incorpo- rates perspectives from Discard Studies, Degrowth, and Critical Design to frame waste as a relational, cultural, and political phenomenon rather than an ‘issue’ to be solved. Toxic tours, or guided critical walks, positioned participants as co-researchers, engaging them in structured, hands-on process such as observ- ing, photographing, collecting, and reflecting on discarded items.
The study identified five recurring patterns of learning: (1) connection with others creates understanding, (2) playfulness and creativity unlock insights, (3) real-time reflection deepens awareness, (4) small acts of care ground learning in practice, (5) iterative design enables deeper learning. These experiences revealed hidden infrastructures, moral hierarchies, and socio-economic inequalities. They also helped participants develop emotional, ethical, and big-picture understand- ings that traditional tourism or research rarely offer. Participants shifted from seeing waste as an individual responsibility to understanding it as a shared sys- temic responsibility, demonstrating how tourism can function as a medium for learning, reflection, and collective action..
Methodologically, the research shows how hands-on, critical approaches can shift power, challenge dominant stories, and imagine new ways of living in the city, aligning with Escobar’s (2018) idea of the pluriverse. Although participants experienced strong emotional and perceptual shifts, lasting behavior change was limited. This suggests a need for ongoing or supported forms of engage- ment. Toxic tours turn extractive forms of tourism into opportunities for care, ethical awareness, and regeneration by framing travel as a space for reflection, learning, and shared action. This approach offers a practical model for research- ers, policymakers, and practitioners working toward more sustainable and partic- ipatory urban futures.

In the face of accelerating urbanization and the consequent surge in housing demands, particularly in European capitals, Copenhagen is at the forefront of adopting innovative urban development strategies. One such strategy is the conceptualization and eventual realization of Lynetteholm, an artificial island designed to mitigate housing shortages while fostering sustainable urban growth. This initiative reflects a broader trend towards exploring new urban spaces that cater to the burgeoning population, leveraging the potential of reclaimed land and waterfront development.

This thesis situates the Lynetteholm project within the broader context of Copenhagen's historical commitment to sustainable urban development and efficient public transportation systems. It explores the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this ambitious project, particularly in the realm of mobility and transportation. By drawing on comparative analyses with cities like Amsterdam and Venice, which share Copenhagen's characteristic of being intertwined with waterways, the research aims to distill valuable insights into managing urban mobility in water-centric urban environments.

Central to the thesis is the exploration of smart mobility solutions, specifically Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) and Demand-Responsive Transportation (DRT), framed within the increasingly popular concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS). The investigation delves into the potential synergy between these technologies and the existing urban transport framework in Copenhagen, with a particular focus on enhancing the "Harbor Bus" service. The envisioned autonomous demand-responsive ferry service (ADRT) is posited as a sustainable, efficient, and user-centered mobility solution that seamlessly integrates with the city's transport network, thereby facilitating the smooth incorporation of Lynetteholm into Copenhagen's urban tapestry.

The proposed ADRT system, characterized by its autonomous operation and demand-responsive nature, is designed to double the capacity of the current Harbor Bus fleet, addressing both the anticipated residential influx in Lynetteholm and the broader transportation needs of Copenhagen's residents. This system not only promises enhanced operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact but also aligns with the city's long-term vision of achieving CO2 neutrality and fostering a "green wave" of commuting practices.

Furthermore, the concept of "Ferry Oriented Development" (FOD) is introduced as a strategic urban planning approach that capitalizes on the untapped potential of waterways. By developing ferry terminals as focal points of urban activity, FOD encourages the formation of vibrant, interconnected communities that prioritize sustainable transport modes, thereby reinforcing Copenhagen's commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient urban mobility.

In sum, this thesis offers a comprehensive examination of the interplay between urban expansion, sustainable development, and innovative transport solutions in the context of Copenhagen's Lynetteholm project. It presents the design of a conceptual framework for an ADRT system that embodies the principles of autonomy, responsiveness, and integration, thereby contributing to the discourse on future urban mobility. This research provides a nuanced, evidence-based perspective on the deployment of smart mobility solutions in the face of rapid urban growth, offering valuable insights and recommendations for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders engaged in shaping the future of urban living in Copenhagen and beyond.

This thesis examines the role of Automated Decision-Making (ADM) systems in advancing energy justice within urban Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) in the Netherlands. Centred on distributive, procedural, and recognition justice, the study explores how ADM impacts equitable access to EV charging and fair energy distribution amid the rapid electrification of passenger mobility. While ADM promises improved grid efficiency and stability, alleviating congestion, it also risks exacerbating socio-economic disparities in access to essential charging resources and energy, potentially widening existing inequalities.

Using a mixed-method approach encompassing Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, Scenario Development, and Q-methodology, this research examines ADM’s effects on equity, fairness, inclusivity, and transparency across socio-economic groups. GIS findings reveal disparities in EVCI accessibility between affluent and low-income neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, highlighting the need for ADM frameworks that consider socio-economic factors in energy allocation. Scenario Development projects futures where stakeholders must balance individual and community needs, illustrating the critical trade-offs required to achieve equitable energy distribution. The Q-methodology builds consensus among diverse stakeholders, underscoring transparency and procedural fairness in promoting trust and aligning ADM outcomes with public values.

This study contributes to energy justice literature by showing how ADM systems can promote equitable EVCI outcomes that are just and inclusive. Policy recommendations offer a phased roadmap: in the short term, prioritise equitable distribution of EVCI using socio-economic data; in the medium term, develop adaptive ADM models for high-demand and grid-constrained regions; and in the long term, enhance community engagement through accessible platforms. \textit{Mindful Power} envisions ADM systems for EVCI that optimise technological efficiency without sacrificing social justice, supporting a fairer, more inclusive energy transition. Ultimately, this thesis provides a structured roadmap for sustainable, community-centred urban energy solutions, ensuring that the transition leaves no one behind.