Platform Ontwerp NL: Learning from the field
Details
Platform Design NL introductory afternoon Designing our future, learning from the field
date: 16 October 2025
hours: from 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
location: Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam
participation: free of charge, registration required
more information about the project
Registration form
Designing our Future - Learning from the Field
In recent months, Platform Ontwerp NL, a collaboration between seven professional associations for the design disciplines, has been working intensively on the project Designing our Future – Learning from the Field. This project, which was made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, aims to draw lessons from the design research methodology of the past 10 years, at all scales and from all corners of the design world.
More than 120 different design studies have now been submitted for this project by large and small design agencies, local architecture centres and independent (landscape) architects. From this wide range of design projects, we have selected 50 studies on which we will base our analysis. Together, these 50 studies tell a promising story about the future of The Netherlands and offer insights into the meaning and potential of the design research method.
The link between science and the design world comes together in design-based research. To present and discuss our interim findings, we are organising an information afternoon for designers and knowledge institutions on 16 October from 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Nieuwe Instituut. We would like to invite you to attend and contribute your thoughts on the initial findings from the analysis. We look forward to a meaningful discussion with you!
Project team Learning from the Field:
Dorien de Voogt, Jutta Hinterleitner, Paul Gerretsen, Baukje Rienks, Julia Hazewinkel, Floor Schepel and Rosa van Heel.
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Programma
Knowledge event 16 October 2025
13:00 – Welcome, introduction to the project and context
13:20 – Keynote speech from the field of research “Design-based research far away and close by”, with Sophie Leemans, researcher at KU Leuven, among others.
14:00 – Presentation and discussion with the audience about the first common themes from the longlist of submissions for Learning from the Field, and the in-depth interviews that have already been conducted.
15:00 – Break
15:30 – Moderated discussion with various designers and scientists based on the following themes:
– Agriculture and nature
Two case studies serve as a starting point for the discussion between design and science.
What is happening in this area? What is the task for the Netherlands? How does design-based research contribute to finding solutions? How can design and science work together?
– Long-term perspective
Discussion with stakeholders involved in three cases that take a long-term view of the Netherlands. How can we use long-term perspectives to influence policy-making and concrete spatial development in the here and now, based on design and science? With Kersten Nabilek, Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, among others.
– Urbanisation and mobility
Based on two case studies that illustrate the future of the densified city and associated mobility systems, we will be talking to Professor of Urban Design Tess Broekmans and designers.
16:30 – Closing and drinks, meeting and exchange between designers and researchers.
17:30 – End
