Research Strategy
In the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, we study the spatial dynamics of the overlapping environmental, technological, social, economic and political crises that define the present historical moment.
Our research is driven by the belief that questions of space are central in understanding such crises, with our aim being to generate conceptual and practical geographic knowledge to support ‘geo-literacy’ in emerging forms of societal transformation. Being geoliterate involves having a command over geographical knowledge (the vocabulary), making that knowledge powerful by seeing relations and joining up (the grammar), recognising the ways in which geographical thinking shapes society and has shaped it in the past (the tradition), and being aware of the possibilities to change the status quo (the intervention).
Our diverse areas of research expertise are organised by three central departmental themes:
1) Spatial equality and justice
Multiple societal transformations such as mass displacement, climate change and shifting urban economies have resulted in deepening spatial and social inequalities across the globe. The unaffordability of housing in cities, the privatization of public space, racism and discrimination in our streets and institutions, food insecurity in certain neighborhoods and the problem of transport poverty are all examples of urban inequalities at the forefront of this research theme.
2) The spatiality of the digital transition
Innovations in digital technologies are reshaping the way we live and physically and socially interact. As critical and engaged researchers, we aim to examine both the opportunities and the challenges related to emerging digital transitions in different cities and regions, with some places and population groups being able to reap the benefits of this transition and others becoming even more dis-connected. Examples of research topics include local participation in digital platforms; the effect of artificial intelligence on local jobs; the implications of ‘smart city’ development, including digital twinning, for people’s mobility; health and social inclusion; the impact of digital technologies on the organization and design of cities and their services; and the place-specific interplay between the digital and green transition.
3) Environmental change and spatial transformations
The compound crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution create a challenging context for achieving sustainability and resilience at planetary and urban-regional levels without compromising spatial, social and ecological equality and justice. We critically analyse the tensions, contestations and solutions which define local, regional, national and cross-border strategies for planning and governing environmental change. Members of our department are engaged in research on climate change adaptation and urban land development, resilient infrastructure and societal impacts, environmental migration and non-migration, digital spatial planning tools, decision-support systems, inclusive governance in cities, sustainable solutions such as circular city, nexus approaches, nature-based solutions, and low-carbon urbanism.
These interrelated research themes are cross-cut by four core perspectives which inform and guide scholarship within the department:
- Transdisciplinary research
- We actively encourage collaboration with a host of societal actors at all stages of our research activities, including government officials, professionals from civil society organisations, and partners from private industries.
- We actively encourage collaboration with a host of societal actors at all stages of our research activities, including government officials, professionals from civil society organisations, and partners from private industries.
- Spatial connections and institutions
- We do research that is particularly attentive to spatial behavior and perceptions, socio-spatial relations, and scalar dynamics in different institutional contexts, highlighting how these phenomena can help facilitate societal transformations.
- We do research that is particularly attentive to spatial behavior and perceptions, socio-spatial relations, and scalar dynamics in different institutional contexts, highlighting how these phenomena can help facilitate societal transformations.
- Geographical information and engaged fieldwork
- We support the development of innovative mixed-method research to understand geographical and planning issues, especially the use and production of maps. Our fieldwork aims to prioritise the needs of the different community stakeholders with whom we work.
- We support the development of innovative mixed-method research to understand geographical and planning issues, especially the use and production of maps. Our fieldwork aims to prioritise the needs of the different community stakeholders with whom we work.
- Engaged pedagogy
- We value research into teaching approaches that promote ‘geo-literacy’ at all levels of society. Such approaches can take place in formal education (primary, secondary and higher education) and in informal settings, extending into community engaged learning practices.
Research produced within the department on challenges related to formal and informal political institutions, sustainability transitions, and geographical education techniques contributes significantly to three of the four Strategic Themes of Utrecht University.