It was really wonderful to see so many people join our final event at the Nieuwe Instituut on June 3rd. We presented the outcomes of our research project exploring the future of energy systems and the role of Transition-Scapes and urban curators in shaping them. For those of you who couldn’t join us, the recording is now available to watch here.

A summary of what we presentented:

— Cristina Ampatzidou and I presented the results of two years of research, captured in the publication “Navigating the In-Between: Urban curators connecting institutions and communities”.

Architects, designers, and artists are increasingly stepping into a new role: not just shaping buildings and objects, but curating the complex transitions our cities face. In the context of the energy transition, they bridge the gap between technical systems and everyday life – navigating institutions, engaging communities, and co-creating new imaginaries for our shared urban futures. The Transition-Scapes research project explored how interactive tools can help orchestrate the energy transition by urban curators and what is needed to design and adopt them effectively. You can download the publication here.

— Dirk Bertels & Arthur Van Schravendijk showcased interactive models for Huis van de Toekomst & Haven-Stad

— Pallas Agterberg, Melle Smets & Hanna Kreuger explored how we can collaboratively realise new energy futures

— Thijs van Spaandonk called for institutional change to support the energy transition: “Communities know what they want — the challenge is for institutions to really listen.”

— Followed by a vibrant panel with Mees van Tooren, Petrus Postma & Arjan Klok on the role of Transition-Scapes and urban curators

— Martijn de Waal concluded the event with a thoughtful and light-hearted recap, offering clear takeaways for the future

All of this was moderated in a lively and insightful manner by Saskia van Stein.

I want to thank everyone who has worked with us over the past two years. It has been a great pleasure. This project has now come to an end, as has my collaboration with AUAS – Civic Interaction Design Research Group Interaction Design. Have a great summer!