Design and Politics No. 1

In establishing a professorship in Design & Politics at Delft University of Technology, the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment has launched a program of education, research and practice for the spatial design of the Netherlands, aimed at reinforcing the interaction between design and politics. The purpose of this book is to offer inspiration and an organizing framework for that program, based on history, reflection, policy and, just as importantly, ambition. The book traces the history of the Netherlands' thinkers, makers and builders. It provides an understanding of how the roles and relationships in Dutch spatial planning have been transformed, and of the ideals, systems and processes that have been strengthened through confrontation. And it reflects on the situation today. Through excerpts from conversations with designers, officials, decision-makers, researchers and other experts, the editors seek to demonstrate the array of narratives in the Netherlands and abroad. Challenges in Dutch politics and design, whether minor or major, reflect these narratives and the confrontation between them. Such confrontation is essential, not just to foster thoughtful deliberation but also to uncover alternatives, eventualities and potentials.