Speculative Turning Points

On the 30th of January 2025 Students from Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale in Dunkirk visited the Toekomst Atelier Oostkop.

Introduction

The decisions we make regarding spatial development today could potentially impose significant challenges in ensuring the livability of the Netherlands in 2100. As planners, it is imperative that we engage in thorough reflection on long-term perspectives: What forthcoming changes should we anticipate, and how can we adequately strategize for them? What are the repercussions of our current actions, as well as the inactions we may be overlooking? Innovation in the world of spatial planning starts with the exchange of knowledge and assessing scenarios. This workshop provides a platform to explore these critical questions and collaboratively shape solutions.

Aim and Objectives

• Learning about the multilevel approach: Understanding how planning operates across local, regional, and national scales.
• Encouraging long-term planning thinking: Developing strategies to address challenges projected for 2035 and 2075.
• Inter-sectoral integration: Exploring the intersections of mobility and accessibility, circularity, and water/ports in planning processes.
• Applying tools and methods: Participants will utilize sketch-making, digital analysis, scenario building, and strategic planning to assess future challenges.
• Enhancing soft skills: Team-based exercises will encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
• Balancing short-term and long-term approaches: Examining how immediate decisions impact future spatial development scenarios.

Approach

The workshop’s framework is derived from a developed methodology by Deltametropool and tailored to match the course structure, level of the students, duration of the workshop, scale of action, and project timelines.

Conclusion

This workshop was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of spatial planning challenges and solutions. By combining theoretical insights with practical applications, students will gain valuable skills to address real-world issues effectively. The program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking to ensure impactful learning outcomes.

Student Work

Find overview of student work in the PDF in the right hand menu bar.