Design and Politics #2: Designing Randstad 2040

This is the second publication in a series examining the dynamic interplay between spatial design and politics. Here, the focus was on the future vision for the Dutch region of the Randstad and which alternative scenarios could enable it to continue functioning as one of Europe’s top economic and cultural regions. Planners, architects and landscape architects participated in a series of workshops, sketching, designing and discussing the possibilities which led in turn to three exciting perspectives for the region’s future in 2040. These are explored here through a rich exploration and description of the design process that is accompanied by sketches, plans, illustrations and photographs. Specialist Operations collaborated with One Architecture under the supervision of Matthijs Bouw.