Research of Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning

Landscapes are the arena of some of the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity decline, and the deterioration of environmental quality. In addition, major societal transitions—such as digitalization, mobility shifts, and energy transitions—unfold within these landscapes. We aim to contribute to sustainable transformations of land use and landscapes through theoretical inquiry, empirical analysis, model based simulation, and ethical and aesthetic reflection and design. We cultivate an academic culture grounded in the integration of knowledge from multiple disciplines (e.g., soil science, hydrology, economics, psychology) and in close collaboration with planning and design practice, informed by contemporary methodological theory.

We adopt a landscape approach. This approach incorporates the full spectrum of social and biophysical landscape processes; it operates at scales where the dynamics within and between landscape elements become visible; it is integrative, addressing multiple challenges simultaneously; and it explicitly acknowledges the plurality of stakeholders and knowledge systems involved.

• Sustainable rural landscapes and communities
  Rural areas and their communities face multiple challenges, including biodiversity decline, poor water quality, and decreasing liveability. Addressing these challenges requires changes in land use and management, which inevitably affect those living and working in rural areas and may generate political tensions. Within this theme, we study the governance, planning, and design of these transformation processes and their intended as well as unintended consequences. Key focus areas include agri environmental governance, ecosystem services, food systems, liveability, area based processes, and land transactions.
• Infrastructure, energy and mobility
  Transformations toward sustainable infrastructure, mobility networks, and energy systems are essential to reduce carbon emissions, maintain accessibility for all, and enhance connectivity in a sustainable manner. These transformations inevitably reshape existing landscapes. We study the functioning of these systems, networks, and landscapes, as well as their societal perception. Through planning and design research, we explore how technological interventions—such as multifunctional solutions and space efficient mobility systems—may shape future cultural landscapes.
• Just climate adaptation and water management
  Climate change necessitates responses to extreme weather events, urban heat islands, resource distribution challenges, and water management issues. These challenges call for resilient and equitable landscape design and governance. Our research focuses on climate responsive planning and design, and on climate adaptation strategies that are not only effective but also fair and inclusive. Given our location in the Netherlands, a strong emphasis on water management is inevitable. Integrating environmental considerations into planning and design ensures that landscapes can withstand—and contribute to mitigating—the impacts of climate change.
• Human–environment interactions
  Urbanization and production oriented agricultural systems place increasing pressure on human well being. Limited access to green spaces contributes to mental and physical health issues, while human activities continue to drive biodiversity loss. This research theme examines the complex relationships between landscape experience, human behaviour, and environmental outcomes, exploring how humans and environments mutually shape one another. By focusing on key aspects such as perceptions, societal values, and health and well being, we aim to generate novel insights that advance scientific discourse and inform practical applications supporting resilient, liveable, and healthy landscapes.