Transforming Power through Design

A Design Anthropological Intervention in the Local Energy Transition

Doctoral Thesis (2026)
Author(s)

G.E. van Leeuwen (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)

Contributor(s)

D.V. Keyson – Promotor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)

B.F. van Eekelen – Promotor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)

A. Singh – Copromotor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)

Research Group
Codesigning Social Change
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.4233/uuid:5ac3e34a-5e75-42ec-a4b6-437488110a9d Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Defense Date
08-06-2026
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Research Group
Codesigning Social Change
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Abstract

This dissertation describes an interventionist design anthropology study that investigates how power can be transformed using a design approach. This study is situated in the local energy transition in Amsterdam Southeast, as part of a
broad multi-actor consortium aimed at addressing combined social and technological challenges in the energy transition. As such, this study engages with the power relations and dynamics that are implicit in design processes where heterogeneous actors collaborate, that characterize societal transitions and that are inherent in participatory engagements with citizens. The dissertation develops understanding about the relationship between design and power in the context of transitions, and does so by explicating the positionality of the design researcher. This effort cuts across multiple disciplines, as it draws from, and contributes to various research fields, including design research, design anthropology, energy studies and transitions studies.

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