Design and politics

In establishing a professorship in Design & Politics at Delft University of Technology, the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment has launched a programme of education, research & 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 programme, 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 & processes that have been strengthened through confrontation. It reflects on the situation today. Through excerpts from conversations with designers, officials, decision-makers, and researchers, the editors seek to demonstrate the array of narratives in the Netherlands and abroad.