Steps towards Slowness
Planning and design to promote walking for wellbeing in a post-growth future in the Netherlands
A. van der Padt (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Thomas Verbeek – Mentor (TU Delft - Urban Studies)
J.J.M. Hemel – Mentor (TU Delft - Spatial Planning and Strategy)
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Abstract
Life in the 21st century moves faster than ever, leading to a society that is increasingly unsustainable for both people and the planet. This thesis proposes a shift toward slowness in the Netherlands by encouraging everyday walking through better spatial planning and design. It explores how planning and design can support both behaviour change and broader social change—by starting with walking.
Using practice theory, walking-based research, and case studies in Heerde and Zwolle, the project rethinks walking in the Netherlands—not just as transport or leisure, but as something deeply personal and part of daily routines. This broader view challenges current strategies that rely mostly on infrastructure, individual nudges, or one-size-fits-all solutions.
The thesis introduces a new way of planning for walking, with clear aims, new methods, and practical tools. It focuses on three goals: 1) encourage walking, 2) sustain walking habits, and 3) create time and space for walking. Methods include walking-based research, using personas and daily routines in design, and imagining better future scenarios. A pattern language is developed, linking eye-level walking experiences and larger-scaled spatial, social and policy interventions.
The project proposes a phased strategy, explored in Heerde and Zwolle: starting with small changes encouraging rethinking daily spaces and habits, creating a foundation of localized, quality spaces and practices supporting walking, restricting fast practices, and finally supporting long-term walking practices, with flexibility, diverse experiences and ever evolving meanings of walking.
All in all, walking is shown to be more than just a slow experience, as promoting it reflects values of Slowness like quality and local connection. This prompts policy-makers, designers and citizens alike to reflect on the values shaping our everyday lives and spaces, recognising how small changes in day-to-day life, such as walking, can contribute to broader societal shifts. Walking thus emerges as a practice, method and a framework for envisioning desirable, sustainable futures rooted in wellbeing.