This thesis explores the identity of Spijkenisse and how it can be enhanced in its revitalisation. In previous revitalisation efforts of New Towns, both tangible and intangible heritage have been demolished. Therefore, a historical overview of these cities is necessary, covering not only the ‘planned city’ but also the ‘lived city’. To achieve this, the topics of ‘Heritage as a vector’ and ‘Place Identity’ will be examined. This study utilises Spijkenisse as a test case for a methodology that can be applied in other New Towns in the Netherlands or internationally. The methodology includes historical analysis, storytelling, and co- creation workshops. The research emphasises participatory planning to empower the local community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

Plastic is one of the most visibly polluting elements in our environment. From big plastic accumulation zones at sea to microplastic entering our everyday drinking water, plastic is becoming a more evident pollutant every day, which is damaging ecosystems, marine life and human health.
This paper will envision a possible solution for plastic pollution in North West Europe, through the retrieval and recycling of plastic, and by proposing an alternative for plastics in the current textile industry; algae. The strategy of this project aims to create a more circular and local economy by envisioning how substituting bio-plastics in a specific industry can be a solution towards minimising overall plastic pollution.
Drawing on climate change as an environmental impactor; algae bloom, which is seen as a negative climate change product, will in this project become a catalyst for a change within the textile industry by making bioplastics.
Through introducing a new perspective on how the relationship between consumer hubs and production hubs could be adjusted to become more sustainable, this project aims to showcase a solution that could be implemented in other areas with plastic pollution, by taking North-West Europe as a test case. Simultaneously, the project aims to pinpoint how crisis can become an opportunity in times like these.