Public Design for Water Conference

Water is essential for humans and nature, and it is intimately related with systems such as land, food, energy and ecosystems where major changes are in progress. Safeguarding the value of water in the context of these developments is not straightforward and it requires a transformation of paradigms, structures, institutions, action perspectives and practices. A design approach creates the space to search for innovation in thinking, working and organisation. Public Design for Water will focus on studying recalcitrant problems and designing solutions for the water transition. The focus of this conference is on transformation in regional area processes and socio-administrative innovation.

We cordially invite you to join us on 17 June 2025 for an inspiring conference about thinking, doing and experiencing the power of design for collective water challenges. The day will acquire a unique character by creating space for in-depth conversations and transformative learning in three tracks. We will go into depth with leading scientists and designers, and share success stories and lessons from Public Design practice. We will also experience how we can work with inspiring creative concepts to examine our own behaviour. When what is ‘invisible’ in our culture – such as dominant beliefs, norms and structures – becomes explicit, we can reflect together and develop transformative action. Strategists, decision-makers, policymakers and advisers, innovation, transition & sustainability managers (from water authorities, municipalities, provinces, water companies and national government), scientists, designers and artists working on collective water challenges are welcome to join in the discussions and share experiences. On the day itself, we will be working towards a research and design agenda for the water transition.

Programme

09:00-09:30 Arrival 09:30-10:30 Plenary introduction to ‘design power for the water transition’ with Dr. ir. Nynke Tromp (PONT) and Professor Dr. ir. Ruud Bartholomeus (KWR/WUR)

10:30-11:00 Panel discussion with water professionals from practice and research

11:15-12:15 Separate sessions, round 1: Tracks ‘Thinking,’ ‘Doing’ and ‘Experiencing’

12:15-13:15 Lunch

13:15-14:15 Separate sessions, round 2: Tracks ‘Thinking,’ ‘Doing’ and ‘Experiencing’

14:30-15:30 Separate sessions, round 3: Tracks ‘Thinking,’ ‘Doing’ and ‘Experiencing’

15:45-16:30 Plenary reflection and a look ahead to the research and design agenda

16:30-17:30 Drinks

In the Expo, artists and designers will share their images and visions of the future of water.

Speakers

Nynke Tromp – Director of the Public Design Practice (PONT) Programme & Researcher in Social Design and Behaviour Change

Ruud Bartholomeus – Principal Scientist (KWR) & Extraordinary Professor of Regional Water Management (WUR)

Registration

You can register for the conference here.

Tracks

1. Thinking

In the ‘thinking’ track, we will learn about the latest theories and methods used to understand a design approach for transformative change and to initiate interventions in complex systems. Scientists will exchange ideas, concepts, methods and empirical insights relating to the ‘how’ of the water transition and formulate inspiring questions for the future research agenda.

11:10-12:30 ‘Conceptual Basis’ led by Prof. Dr. Tamara Metze (TU Delft)

13:15-14:15 ‘Dutch applications’ led by Dr. Jan Starke (KWR)

14:30-15:30 ‘International applications’ led by Dr. Kirsty Holstead (WUR)

The working language for this track will be English.

2. Experiencing

In the ‘experiencing’ track, participants will feel the power of design for transformative change. Reflecting collectively about how we work with water will create space to think about our convictions, emotions, values and actions that may get in the way or, conversely, encourage us to move forward in the water transition. Designers will inspire you to discover other perspectives on the basis of wonderment, concerns or enjoyment, and strengthen the capacity to act differently in practice.

11:15-12:15 ‘Get into the role of the water professional of the future’ led by Minke Dijkstra and Pablo Teijeiro (Reframing Studio)

13:15-14:15 ‘Aqua Ludens: Working on the water transition through play’ led by Nicolien van Aalderen M.Sc. and Dr. Sija Stofberg (KWR) .

14:30-15:30 ‘Give nature a voice in the water transition’ led by Anne Stoop & Myrthe Mandemakers (Play with Nature Lab)

The working language in this track is Dutch.

3. Doing

In the ‘doing’ track, we will look in depth at the design approach in practice. Professionals working in practice, (action) researchers and designers will show how a design approach is applied in both urban and rural areas, and how it leads to innovations in practice. We will look at the design approach that grants a central role to collaborative working, being reflexive, iterative research and designing solutions. Together we will reflect on existing or surmounted challenges and (systemic) barriers, and explore questions for the design agenda. In short, where can we find space for transformative learning and the (re)design of practices?

11:10-12:30 ‘Lessons from the water authority area workshop’ led by Chris van de Hoef (Valei en Veluwe water authority)

13:15-14:15 ‘Reflection on co-creative knowledge development in the Water Knowledge Action Programme’ led by Fabi van Berkel M.Sc. (KWR), Lidwien Besselink (City of Amsterdam) and Rob Ververs (Waternet)

14:30-15:30 ‘Ten Years of City Deals: Space to learn and experiment for administrative innovation’ with Jurian Strik (Agenda Stad) and Eva Vermeulen (Platform31)

The working language in this track is Dutch.