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Make Phoenix Cool Again

As global temperatures continue to rise, cities are increasingly feeling the heat as a result of the Urban Heat Island Effect. No city feels this quite like Phoenix, due to its position in the Sonoran Desert where temperatures in the summer average 40°C, and in 2023 experienced 55 days of 43°C heat in a row. According to NASA, 2023 is the hottest summer in recorded history and is on track to being the hottest recorded year. The effects of climate change are being felt worldwide but due to its geographic placement and urban typology, Phoenix is facing the reality of climate change far faster than other cities. In response, the city is getting creative. In 2021, the city government of Phoenix created the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, the first of its kind in the world. This publicly funded office focuses both on helping residents cope with hot weather (response) and cooling the city through urban intervention (mitigation).

As climate change continues to worsen and urbanization increases, urban adaptation is necessary to ensure safe and livable cities. The United Nations predicts that by 2050, 7 out of 10 people worldwide will live in cities, so rising temperatures will soon affect more people than ever. Due to its unique geographic location and extreme heat, Phoenix is acting as an unofficial laboratory for climate adaptation that other cities can learn from. So, what is Phoenix doing to mitigate its heat island effect?

Growing 11.2% to 1.6 million inhabitants, Phoenix was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States between 2010 and 2020. With this population growth came the construction of new housing and, in the chronically car-dependent city, parking lots to accommodate new residents. All of this construction combined with the city’s location in the Sonoran desert constrains the possibilities of greenery and green space. Greenery reflects heat and cools the urban environment, while manmade materials absorb heat throughout the day and release it at night. 

Average summer temperatures in Phoenix regularly exceed 40ºC, necessitating the use of air conditioning. Rather counterintuitively, air conditioning makes cities hotter. Air conditioning and urban heat are intertwined in a vicious cycle, while air conditioning keeps buildings comfortably cool in the heat, it also transfers heat back outside, further worsening the urban heat island effect. 

To increase greenery and thus decrease temperatures, Phoenix’s city government has set goals for all neighborhoods to adapt their landscape. The goal is to have 25% of Phoenix covered by a canopy of native tree species by 2030. As of 2023, the city has achieved 12.4% coverage. Planting more trees is difficult due to the desert environment, as limited plant species can grow in such a harsh environment. Additionally, planting non-native species requires the use of excess water, which is scarce in the desert environment.

In addition to the environmental challenge of tree planting, there is also the consideration that trees cost money and time. In Phoenix, heat disproportionately affects low-income people, for whom planting a tree on their property is not a high priority. Buying and maintaining trees costs money, and a water bill increase is out of reach for some. Hence, wealthier neighborhoods have higher percentages of tree cover and thus lower temperatures. To make tree planting more accessible, the city government has implemented several grant programs to subsidize tree planting around the city. They have also introduced a tree donation program through which individuals and organizations can donate trees to underprivileged neighborhoods. Additionally, community volunteer programs such as Love Your Block and Citizen Forester collaborate with the city to plant trees in low-income neighborhoods.

Love Your Block volunteers planting trees in a low income
neighborhood. Source: phoenix.gov
Love Your Block volunteers planting trees in a low income neighborhood. Source: phoenix.gov

Arizona State University’s (ASU) SHaDE (Sensible Heatscapes and Digital Environments) Lab is an innovate research program aimed at tackling the question of how to adapt the city to rising temperatures. Using Phoenix as its laboratory, they are designing innovative solutions for heat mitigation.

ASU’s SHaDE Lab has identified one of many potential points of cooling: Phoenix’s streets. As materials such as asphalt absorb heat and make the city hotter, the city has begun experimenting with painting its roads with a light-colored pavement coating that reflects heat. This paint is being piloted in several neighborhoods and has been successful, seeing lower temperatures by 5-6ºC.

Applying the same principles of street painting to buildings is Phoenix’s Cool Roofs Initiative, a pilot program and study aimed at retrofitting existing buildings to mitigate heat absorption and reduce energy consumption. This pilot began in 2013 and painted over 6,500 square meters (70,000 square feet) of roofing, covering roughly 15,000 buildings, or 3.5% of all buildings in Phoenix. The participating buildings saw a 17% reduction in energy consumption and a reduction in roof surface temperature, but unfortunately the Cool Roofs study did not find a significant decrease in neighborhood temperature. However, the study was not concentrated within neighborhoods, measuring participating buildings across the metropolitan area, and did not measure temperature reduction from reduced air conditioning usage. To fully understand the effect of Cool Roofs on temperature, this should be studied within certain neighborhoods where the majority of buildings have Cool Roofs. The widespread implementation of cool roofs and green roofs can be a potential solution. 

Due to its geographic position and urban typologies, Phoenix is in urgent need of climate adaptation measures as we enter an unprecedented era of climate change. The city is turning to urban design innovation to curb the effects of its excessive heat. Time will tell if these initiatives will be successful, but early results seem promising. Phoenix is turning to collaboration to solve its climate problems, emphasizing the fact that climate change affects us all, regardless of race or class. By working together, we can adapt our cities to climate change. 

Building Tomorrow

Resilient housing‘ refers to the design, construction, and maintenance of homes in a way that enables them to withstand and recover from various challenges and stresses, including natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and other unforeseen events. The concept is rooted in the idea of creating homes that can adapt and bounce back in the face of adversity. In this article, I will focus on two aspects of resilient housing in particular: resilience for climate change and the usage of resilient construction materials.

Resilience for the climate entails designing homes capable of withstanding and adapting to the various impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising temperatures, rising sea-levels, and droughts. Three main aspects of resilient design are:

Adaptive Design

Resilient housing goes beyond mere structural strength; it involves a thoughtful integration of adaptive design principles. This approach prioritizes the flexibility and adaptability of building structures, ensuring they can withstand and respond to the dynamic challenges posed by climate change. Adjustable shading systems, natural ventilation, and layouts that facilitate cooling in warmer climates or improved insulation for colder regions are just a few aspects of this adaptive paradigm.

In the realm of adaptive design, flexibility is the cornerstone. Homes are conceived with adaptable floor plans, moveable partitions, and removable walls, allowing for easy modification to suit evolving needs. The utilization of modular construction, which facilitates the expansion, alteration, or replacement of components, further enhances the adaptability of these resilient homes. Integrating regenerative materials that are sourced sustainably and recyclable not only promotes long-term sustainability but also contributes to the overall resilience of the structure. Moreover, integrated systems for energy, water, and waste management enhance efficiency and adaptability.

Consider a scenario where an adaptive home boasts a rooftop garden capable of providing sustenance, shade, and insulation. Picture a wall that can effortlessly fold out to create an additional room or a balcony, showcasing the home’s ability to accommodate different functions and users over time. This narrative of adaptability extends beyond the immediate challenges of climate change, embodying a home that evolves alongside the needs of its inhabitants, creating a truly resilient and future-ready dwelling.

Flood and Storm Resistance

Focusing on the pivotal role of flood and storm resistance, this aspect takes center stage as the unsung hero. In the face of escalating climate disturbances, homes undergo a transformative evolution. Rather than succumbing to the onslaught, they elevate themselves above anticipated flood levels. This involves the integration of flood-resistant materials and storm-ready construction techniques, creating a virtually impervious shield against weather extremes. Reinforced concrete, robust siding, and steadfast foundations form the backbone, steadfastly resisting rising water levels and formidable winds. The emphasis extends beyond mere impermeability, encompassing comprehensive waterproofing and adept drainage systems to efficiently manage excess water.

Yet, the narrative transcends mere defensive measures. Flood and storm resistance act as the vigilant guardians of your home, surpassing the role of leak prevention and prioritizing your safety and possessions. Their scope extends beyond defence to include features such as escape routes and elevated structures. It is not just about recovering post-storm; it is about standing resilient in the face of adversity. In essence, resilient homes not only weather the storm but assert their ability to withstand Mother Nature’s trials and remain steadfast.

Drought Mitigation

In regions prone to recurring droughts, resilient homes emerge as the epitome of water-conscious living. Equipped with advanced water-saving technologies, these homes transcend mere functionality. Rainwater harvesters, resembling large receptacles, diligently collect raindrops, breathing vitality into the arid surroundings. Greywater recycling, a process that repurposes used household water from sinks and showers, transforms into an encore, nurturing plant life and facilitating toilet flushing. The landscaping mirrors a drought-resistant fashion exhibition, featuring native plants and xeriscaping, presenting aesthetically pleasing lawns without excessive water consumption.

Yet, the true innovation lies in departing from traditional water sources. High-efficiency devices and fixtures covertly reduce water consumption, with low-flow showerheads ensuring every drop serves a purpose. These homes not only stand out for their ecological consciousness but also prove economical, with reduced water bills as one of their many advantages. Beyond mere survival in times of water scarcity, these homes epitomize a stylish approach to maintaining cleanliness, environmental friendliness, and efficiency in water conservation.

So, design considerations can significantly impact the resilience of one’s housing situation, and it accidentally also helps you with a lower price of living as a bonus! However, resilient housing also emphasizes the importance of materials that are durable, low-carbon, locally available, and recyclable. Some key things to consider within this aspect of resilience are:

Durable and Sustainable Materials

Resilient housing prioritizes the use of materials that are not only durable but also sustainable, yet able to withstand the stresses and strains of the weather and possible natural disasters that might occur. Furthermore, choosing materials with a low environmental impact, such as recycled or locally sourced materials, contributes to long-term resilience in the face of resource scarcity and environmental degradation. Some well- and lesser-known examples of such materials are bamboo, recycled plastics and hempcrete.

Energy-Efficient Construction

To enhance climate resilience, materials with high energy efficiency are crucial. This includes well-insulated walls, roofs, and windows that can regulate indoor temperatures effectively, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling in response to climate extremes. Earthships are a distinct building form and try to incorporate as many of these energy-efficiency measures as possible to be able to be fully live off-grid. They are placed for optimal usage of sunlight and their thick walls, sometimes filled with glass bottles for a unique colouring effect, make sure that no heat will fade away.

Fire-Resistant Construction

In areas prone to wildfires, resilient housing involves the use of fire-resistant materials, such as fire-resistant roofing, siding, and exterior finishes. This helps prevent the ignition and spread of fires and minimizes the risk of structural damage during wildfire events. They should also be able to resist combustion, limit flame propagation, and reduce smoke production. Fiber cement siding is such a material that is ideal for this kind of situation. Made of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibres, fibre cement siding is a relatively cheap but durable and fire-safe alternative for wood.

Carbon-Neutral Options

Resilient housing also considers the carbon footprint of construction materials. Choosing materials that sequester carbon or have a low embodied carbon content contributes to climate resilience by mitigating the impact of construction on climate change. Apart from wood, which is relatively well-known and more and more used as a construction material, mycelium is an excellent carbon-neutral option. Mycelium is the root-like structure of fungi, and can grow on organic substrates, such as agricultural waste, sawdust, or straw. Depending on the medium the mycelium grows on, its characteristics can widely differ. For example, if your mycelium grows on sawdust or straw, it tends to resemble pressed sheet material that is related to building material. If your mycelium grows on cotton waste, it can be better used as an insulation material. Do you use pure mycelium materials? Then it looks a lot like plastic.

In conclusion, resilient housing integrates adaptable design principles and sustainable materials to withstand climate challenges. Homes become adaptable spaces with features like movable partitions and regenerative materials. Flood and storm resistance elevate homes above anticipated levels, offering not just defence but safety features and elevated structures.

In drought-prone regions, resilient homes embrace water-conscious living through rainwater harvesters and greywater recycling. Beyond survival, they exemplify efficiency and style in water conservation. Material choices are crucial for resilience, emphasizing durability, low carbon, local sourcing, and recyclability. From bamboo to mycelium, these materials contribute to long-term resilience. Energy-efficient construction, fire-resistant materials, and carbon-neutral options further enhance resilience. Well-insulated structures and innovative materials align with sustainability goals.
Resilient housing is a holistic, future-ready approach that safeguards inhabitants, lowers living costs, and guides us toward a more sustainable world. Exhibitions like this one can spark the interest of unaware visitors and show the wide variety of possible resilient building forms and materials. As we face climate challenges, resilient housing stands as a blueprint for a resilient and sustainable future.

Transparency in the Agricultural Supply Chain

In the increasingly complex and enhancing web of global food production and distribution, consumers are seeking information about the origins, quality, and sustainable nature of the products they consume. This demand for transparency has transformed the way the world thinks about food and has led to the introduction of many new technologies in hopes of providing clarity about the process- at the forefront of which is blockchain technology. 

Blockchain technology is essentially a safe, decentralized way of recording transactions and records digitally. It allows for information to be shared transparently within a business network. The decentralized nature of it ensures that the data stored within the network cannot be altered after the fact without consensus among the network participants. It also allows for the data to be verified by relevant authorities or third-party organizations. This allows its application in supply chains to have the potential benefits of promoting accountability, enhancing consumer awareness and addressing the climate impact of farming practices by ensuring the authenticity and effectiveness of sustainable practices. Additionally, blockchain technology aims to provide a transparent process to allow insight into the product’s journey from the farm to the consumer’s table. Blockchain technology as a concept is not an entirely new idea. It was introduced with the invention of Bitcoin in the early 2000s. Its potential applications however expanded further than the field of cryptocurrency, with various blockchain platforms and applications across a range of industries, including supply chain management, finance and banking, healthcare, cybersecurity and more.

Over the last few decades as demand for agricultural products has skyrocketed with the growing population, the effects of modern farming practices have been exposed as one of the biggest contributors to the current climate crisis. Land clearing, pollution, biodiversity loss and dead zones are just a few of the consequences currently faced as a result of modern farming. The industry needs to navigate these consequences and adapt, as well as satisfy consumers’ changing tastes and expectations, all whilst still meeting the demand for more food and at a higher quality. In most countries this has led to a shift in societal view from “enough food” to “good food” as consumers highlight the desperate need for a global transition to a more sustainable way of food production. The concept of “sustainable agriculture” therefore emerges as the key to ethical and resilient farming. Looking beyond its immediate benefits of reducing environmental impact and preserving biodiversity, sustainable agriculture is playing a pivotal role in fostering economic stability for farmers and promoting global long-term food security. By emphasizing soil health, promoting the minimization of chemical inputs, and optimizing water use, these sustainable practices contribute to the overall resilience of agricultural systems, especially in regards to climate change. 

In the context of transparency enabled by blockchain technology, the importance of sustainable agriculture extends to consumer empowerment. It aligns with the consumers’ growing demand for ethically sourced and environmentally conscious products, allowing consumers to make more informed choices that align with their values. This is because this technology enables each product to have a unique digital identity that is recorded on the blockchain. By scanning a QR code on the product, consumers and stakeholders can gain access to the digital ledger providing information on the product’s origin, processing and distribution. 

Although not fully institutionalized yet, more and more companies are adopting blockchain technology. The Dutch chocolate company Tony’s Chocolonely, for example, ran a pilot test in 2016 in which they tried to incorporate blockchain technology in addition to their existing tracking system “Beantracker”. Their goal was to utilize this technology to trace the journey of their cocoa beans from the farmers to the consumers. This would allow consumers to have access to information about the cocoa beans used in their chocolate bars by scanning a QR code on the chocolate’s packaging. This QR code would link them to a platform where they could see details about the farmers, the beans used and the journey of the beans through the supply chain. This initiative would allow consumers to understand and appreciate the efforts made in creating an ethically sourced product. Although the technology is not yet implemented outside of the pilot project, the company acknowledges the potential benefits the technology has and are working together with IT companies to integrate it into their existing software. 

Implementing blockchain technology in agri-food traceability holds immense potential but comes with a few challenges. While the potential for enhanced transparency and trust in the food supply chain is evident, the integration of blockchain with existing systems can be challenging and often requires significant investments and technological adaptations. Additionally there is the problem of standardization across countries and industries. Addressing the issue of standardization will require creating industry-wide standards and practices that will facilitate smoother integration, data sharing, and compatibility- which will of course take time and cooperation. There are also legal constraints to the technology. The legal requirements to move locally and international goods are strict in the EU in particular, meaning that the blockchain data is visible within the supply chain but not always visible to the end consumer. Access to the information on the digital ledger is still highly beneficial to the stakeholders at various phases of the supply chain. 

The integration of blockchain technology into sustainable agriculture not only allows for product traceability that’s available to consumers but also exemplifies a global stride towards a food supply chain that is not only transparent but also environmentally and socially responsible.

Infrastructural Evolution

The impacts of climate change in recent years have largely shown the vulnerabilities of cities globally. More extreme weather events present challenges to the urban infrastructures, the citizens, and overall health and well-being. Over the past few months, headlines have been flooded with reports such as “Record-Breaking High Temperatures” or “Warnings of Increased Flooding,” all as an outcome of climate change. To overcome these challenges, multiple organizations, cities, and countries are implementing innovative thinking to transform the urban environment that is experiencing enormous pressure. To achieve a climate-adaptive and sustainable environment, the United Nations presented multiple ways of dealing with economic, social, and environmental challenges through its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” primarily emphasizes sustainable urban development. To reduce the environmental impact on cities, Goal 11 urges multiple mitigation and adaptation tactics, such as promoting sustainable transportation, fostering energy efficiency, improving water management, implementing green buildings and green infrastructure, and preserving and creating green spaces, among several others. All of these tactics have one thing in common: transforming urban infrastructures, which are essential elements in all functioning cities.

Examples of such practices can be seen worldwide, and even though some might see these tactics as one of many wicked problems, they represent efforts for present and future generations. To paint a better picture, delving into some unique and inspiring effects of reducing environmental impact and transforming the urban environment is crucial.

Transportation infrastructure, stories of Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá offers such a unique perspective and experience in turning to sustainable transportation. Dating back to 1974, “Ciclovía” closes major roads every Sunday to motorized vehicles and offers the space for recreational use. Roads of Bogotá are filled on Sundays with citizens cycling, skateboarding, jogging, or just strolling around, which promotes a vision of a healthier lifestyle, reduces air pollution, and encourages sustainable transportation alternatives.

Bogotá’s former mayor, Enrique Peñalosa, had transformative thinking in promoting sustainable transportation, which helped Bogotá in its adaptive status. Peñalosa’s work was oriented on social integration and equality within the spaces in Bogotá by implementing bike lanes and improving public parks, schools, and healthcare facilities. His implementation of car-free days, license lotteries, and sustainable urban planning contributed to reduced traffic deaths and environmental impact, all in line with UN Sustainable Goals. Peñalosa clearly envisioned Bogotá’s future when stating, “Sustainable transport is not an option; it is a necessity” and “An advanced city is not one where the poor own cars, but one where the rich use public transport.” There are, of course, other cities and countries pioneering sustainable transportation, such as the Netherlands or Denmark’s Copenhagen, but a lesson for the implementation can be much more appreciated from cities where there is no cultural association or infrastructural readiness with such practices. Bogotá showcases a turn to sustainable transportation and mobility despite profound challenges to many other cities.

Energy-efficient built infrastructure, stories of Germany and the USA

The significance of buildings in climate change is their large footprint that currently contributes up to one-third of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Germany has been a pioneer in energy-efficient building design by implementing the Passive House (Passivhaus) standard. Passive House focuses on reducing energy consumption in buildings, contributing to lower carbon emissions and increased sustainability in urban development. Passive House standards create exceptionally insulated buildings, including walls, roofs, and floors, that are heavily insulated to minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without relying on excessive heating or cooling. A high-quality air barrier controls ventilation, ensuring that fresh air is supplied efficiently while minimizing energy loss. High-performance windows and doors with multiple layers of glazing are used to reduce thermal bridging and enhance insulation and are designed to maximize natural light while minimizing heat transfer. Well-placed windows and shading devices also highly contribute to passive solar gain in the winter and minimize it in the summer. Controlled mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery are a unique characteristic of Passive Houses. These systems bring fresh air from the outside, extract heat from the outgoing stale air, and transfer it to the incoming air. The thermal bridge-reduced design ensures a continuous and effective thermal barrier to eliminate thermal bridges, which are areas that allow heat to bypass insulation.

Another similar concept of sustainable and eco-friendly housing is the Earthship pioneered in the ‘70s in the USA, which aimed to create sustainable, off-the-grid living spaces that reduce reliance on traditional utilities and promote a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Even though this energy-efficient building style faces many challenges, it has inspired discussions around alternative and eco-friendly housing solutions. Transforming energy infrastructure is a critical component of a more extensive strategy to combat climate change by tackling the underlying sources of emissions.

Water infrastructure, stories of Singapore; Seoul, South Korea; and San Francisco, USA

Water infrastructure faces numerous challenges due to climate change impacting global availability, quality, and distribution of water resources. Climate change alters precipitation patterns, leading to more intense and unpredictable rainfall or extended periods of drought. Coastal water infrastructure faces increased vulnerability, with the potential for saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, threatening both drinking water supplies and agricultural irrigation. Increased temperatures can enhance harmful algal bloom growth and increase evaporation rates. Handling this long list of threads sounds overwhelming, but not so much to several visionary cities.

If you ever heard the phrase “Reduce, reuse, and recycle,” you might have heard Singapore’s vast effort in water management speak. Not only is Singapore integrating intelligent technologies into its massive sustainable water management efforts, but it also stands out for its groundbreaking initiative, NEWater. NEWater is a solution to water scarcity by purifying wastewater. Through microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection, wastewater is treated and recycled back to consumers. Currently, NEWater is meeting approximately 40% of Singapore’s total water demand and aims to reach up to 55% by 2060. While not initially intended for direct consumption, NEWater surpasses the drinking water standards set by the World Health Organization and Singapore’s national water authority and is available for consumption. However, it is mainly used in industries, for cooling purposes, in the manufacturing sector, or to top up public reservoirs. Singapore stands in many aspects as an innovative city, demonstrating the potential for innovative and sustainable solutions on a global scale.

Water bodies have been an important city-forming aspect for ages, but they also have a significant environmental aspect. Revitalizing water bodies can play an essential role in reestablishing biodiversity, improving air and water quality, and, above all, quality of life. Seoul’s prominent project on revitalizing the river Cheonggyecheon’s stream shows outstanding efforts in shifting the priorities in planning practices, overturning robust concrete jungles, and bringing nature back.

A story of the historic stream: Cheonggyecheon, covered by an elevated freeway, was brought back to life as a part of a broader vision for urban redevelopment in Seoul. Additionally, due to the safety risks, the freeway was in need of repair or even demolition, which inspired rethinking about the area’s future and land use. After the freeway demolition, the stream was reclaimed by a pumping system since there was no natural consistent flow to restore the stream. Along the 5.84km section of the redeveloped former freeway, the Cheonggyecheon project introduced green spaces, walking paths, and bridges, creating a more aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian-friendly environment and successfully linking only vital transportation connections. This brought new recreational opportunities, which, with implemented greenery, not only improved the environmental state of the area but also directly improved the health and well-being of citizens using this green corridor. The Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project stands as a successful example of how urban planning and environmental restoration can go hand in hand.

A different example of water infrastructure in need of revitalization is those around coastal cities. Coastal cities, which represent around 40% of the world’s population according to the UN, are in danger and uncertain of future disaster events. The Bay Area of San Francisco put into effect an experimental project, “Living Shorelines,” using natural ecosystems like wetlands and oyster reefs to protect against sea-level rise and storm surges. The aim is to control coastal erosion and flooding by nature-based solutions, in contrast to the traditional “hard” measures such as wave breakers or concrete seawalls. Living Shorelines reports multiple environmental benefits, such as a reduction of 30-50% of wave energy, restoration of ecosystems, and increased biodiversity. San Francisco’s method proved to be a possible adaptation approach, shifting from “hard” engineering to nature-based and essentially experimental practice.

Green infrastructure, stories of past and present

The implication of green infrastructures in cities is gaining popularity for its multifaced benefits. Green infrastructures present features like green roofs, urban forests, and permeable pavements, which all play into sustainable urban development by mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and promoting biodiversity. This shift towards green infrastructure addresses climate uncertainties and urban water challenges through multiple urban water management systems such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and Water Sensitive Urban Design, Sponge City, and Water Drain by Infiltration (WADI), which rethinks the interconnectedness of water supply, drainage, and ecosystems.

The concept of green roofs has roots in ancient practices, even though the practice was initially inspired by Ireland’s sod roofs, which act as insulation in cold weather. A long time before the sod roofs, in regions like the Middle East, ancient civilizations built homes with flat roofs covered in vegetation, providing natural insulation and cooling. Today, green roofs not only contribute to energy efficiency but also mitigate the urban heat island effect by creating a layer of natural insulation that absorbs and reflects sunlight. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are the first known case of the architectural ability to incorporate lush greenery into urban landscapes for its cooling effect. Implementing green roofs with the green infrastructure approach can be seen in numerous cities nowadays, such as Melbourne, Seoul, and Tokyo, which also incorporate rooftop farming, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Cooling the city, stories from ancient civilizations to Seville, Spain

Looking into the history of urban planning and architecture techniques, multiple cases of green infrastructure are being implemented as a nature-based source of cooling the city. Ancient cities have various ways of engineering the cooling down process that might experience rebirth as green infrastructure. Many ancient civilizations living in hot climates developed adapting elements in built environments to bring the temperature down. The reflectivity of surfaces, wind, and water were, and still are, crucial elements in lowering the temperature.

Mediterranean region countries realized the effectiveness of painting the buildings with highly-refective, light-colored paint. This is a way to increase the albedo effect, which measures how much sunlight is reflected from the surface back into the space. Surfaces with high albedo reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, while surfaces with low albedo absorb more sunlight and retain heat. The emphasis on reflective surfaces remains relevant in achieving energy-efficient and climate-adaptive practices to this day.

In Persian civilization, wind catchers called badgirs were designed to capture and direct prevailing winds into buildings. In Islamic architecture, buildings were often designed with central courtyards, facilitating natural ventilation and cooling through air circulation. Roman aqueducts were beneficial for water transportation and had a cooling effect. The flow of water in aqueducts helped moderate temperatures in urban areas. Similarly, the qanats of ancient Persia were underground water supply channels, and the water evaporative cooling effect helped drop the urban temperature. This cooling benefit of qanats inspired one of the hottest European cities to develop a new approach and technology to cool the city down.

Seville, grappling with unbearable heat even in April, introduced an innovative engineering project called CartujaQanat. Working on a small-scale section on the street, this pilot initiative targets a significant reduction of average temperatures on a specific street by an impressive 10°C. The first step was to revitalize Seville’s qanats system, shifting from outdated fossil fuel to renewable energy sources. This qanats system promises to bring cooled water to the surface and strategically channel it through designated buildings, delivering a refreshing and effective cooling effect to the surrounding environment. It works by excavating two water-filled channels, submerging a series of pipes into the water, and drawing warm air inside these pipes, which is then cooled by the surrounding water and distributed to the built conference center through several spaces. As this project awaits completion and the unveiling of results, it holds the potential to assist in innovative approaches to decreasing urban heat, potentially inspiring more experimental projects in the future.

Closing word

The visible changes associated with climate change to the urban environment are causing drastic stress to the urban infrastructures, ecosystems, and citizens. Even with multiple showcases of climate-adaptive practice, the threads continuously hit our cities globally. As the climate changes, so must our thinking and priorities about urban planning. The journey toward sustainability is ongoing, with each innovative project and visionary city contributing to the broader picture of a climate-resilient and sustainable future.

The Circular Economy in the Northern Netherlands

In the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally responsible economic practices, the concept of circularity has emerged as a guiding principle. Not only is there more and more (international) attention for this concept, but guiding legislation has been published, and countries are setting ambitious targets to transition towards circular economies. But what exactly does that entail?

What is circularity?

The simplest explanation of what circularity is is that what goes out at the end of a system is – probably after some post-processing – able to go in at the beginning of a system again, without degradation of quality. An example: a particular type of plastic is needed, say for LEGO blocks. After the use case is over (the kid, or adult, discarded the toy), the used plastic will be recycled into materials that could be used for the same purpose, or a different one. And a beautiful example from nature is the biome in a bottle, where fertile ground, a bit of water, and some small plants and other organisms are put in a closed glass jar or bottle and will flourish without any need for help for years to come.

The essence of a circular economy is reuse, remake, and recycle. This is a totally different mindset than the ‘classical’ linear economy, where raw materials are taken and made into something, which is then disposed of rather than recycled. Well-known is, of course, the usage of fossil fuels rather than biofuels or renewable energy. Note that this circularity not only takes place on the higher ‘out of my hand’ levels but also on a personal level a lot can be achieved (e.g., reusing coffee grinds as garden fertiliser or using filtered shower water to flush the toilet). As the current (increasing) global rate of consumption in the present linear economy results in far-reaching environmental, geopolitical and social consequences, the step to a circular economy is a necessity rather than a non-binding choice.

The Dutch government has set the year 2050 as the target when the entire Dutch economy should be circular. Following the latest United Nations IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, the Dutch National Programme Circular Economy was launched in February 2023. This report is meant to elaborate on the steps that are necessary to achieve the ambition to have a fully circular economy in 2050. There are four main points of attention that can directly influence circularity: limitation of the usage of raw materials, substitution of raw materials, extending the lifespan of products, and high-quality processing. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that even within a fully circular economy, there will still be a limited outflow of waste. More on that later.

Reports on the Northern Netherlands

As companies are leading the way in enabling – or disabling – a circular economy, the focus should be on enabling them to participate in this revolutionary new way of production. Especially focussed on the Northern Netherlands, the consortium ‘Noord-Nederland verdient Circulair’ or ‘the Northern Netherlands earns circular’ has been erected, with the RUG being one of the partners. Led by FSS lecturer Dr Frans Sijtsma, accompanied by colleagues from the Faculties of Economics and Business (FEB), Science and Engineering (FSE) and the Faculty of Behavioral Sciences (FBS), the task of the RUG in the consortium was to develop a clear view on the development of the circular economy in the Northern Netherlands.

The results of this role have been put together in two reports, the first: ‘Sneller Circulair: luisteren naar ervaringen van bedrijven om barrières te verminderen’ being the main report including the current status of and the vision on the transition to the circular economy in the Northern Netherlands, and the second: ‘De ecologische voetafdruk van bedrijven en compensatie van niet-circulariteit: een verkenning’ being an exploratory report about the possibility of the compensation of the non-circular part of companies’ ecological footprint. A special touch to both reports is that around 200 students from both FSS Bachelor courses helped with conducting approximately 70 interviews, as well as a recent FSS graduate in the role of junior researcher.

Faster Circular

Sijtsma cum suis conducted thorough research on the current status of circularity among just shy of 400 companies that are settled in the Northern Netherlands. They found that there is indeed already a movement motivating individual companies to transform their businesses into more circular forms. Although successes are certainly there, more than the speed at which the current developments go is required to have a noticeable impact on the overall system.

Therefore, they suggest reforming the approach from individual stimulation to achieving a system-wide transition. Taking the experiences of the companies who already made the change as a base, combined with a broad set of partners, should speed up the shift to circular. Hence, the introduction of an orchestrator group that directs and assesses the process is proposed. This group should collaborate with various entities and combine university expertise, business knowledge, and government capabilities to actively overcome barriers and drive businesses towards a circular economy.

Footprint compensation

The second report investigates methods for creating a company-specific footprint to link a compensation mechanism to the non-circular portion of the footprint. This partially links back to the notion that there will always be a (limited) stream of waste resulting from processes in the (circular) economy. The goal of this research was to find out if there is a viable way to ‘mask’ this waste flow by compensating for it in some way.

Currently, such practices already happen, for instance, by companies buying CO2 certificates, so paying to be allowed to emit more carbon dioxide. In the case of the Netherlands, the European Union is the owner of these certificates via the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The revenues from the EU ETS feed mostly into national budgets. Member States use these revenues to support investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency improvements and low-carbon technologies that help reduce emissions further.

The University of Groningen has developed the energy analysis programme (EAP), with which the energy emissions of household consumption can be calculated. However, none of the existing input models for this programme has a company-specific scope, which makes it less ideal to work at the company level. While geographical value chain mapping by companies could enhance the spatial precision of the data, the researchers emphasise that there are still several methodological and data challenges for creating company footprints, as the quantification of a company’s circularity is needed for meaningful comparisons between companies.

Concluding

The circular economy is a necessity for achieving sustainable and environmentally responsible economic practices. However, the current state of circularity among companies in the Northern Netherlands could be more optimal. Nevertheless, the two reports by Frans Sijtsma et al. offer insights and recommendations for accelerating the transition to a circular economy. By adopting circularity as a guiding principle, companies can contribute to a system-wide transformation that benefits both the planet and the economy.

The revolutionary four sections of the Groningen city centre

Groningen is known for its cycling culture, and a survey done by the municipality found that 90% of respondents consider bikes to be the city’s most important mode of transport. Today, many measures are in place to encourage walking and cycling, like park-and-ride schemes, workplaces being required to promote active travel modes, extensive cycling infrastructure, public transport, etc.

However, one of the most significant actions taken in the city’s history to fuel the shift away from cars, was to divide the city centre into four sections with cars unable to drive from one section to another without exiting the centre and using a ring road. 

National context

In the post-World War II era, during the 1950s and 1960s, just like in many other parts of the world, The Netherlands saw a shift towards car-centric infrastructure. When the effects of this shift became more apparent to the Dutch public, it brought about backlash, with a famous example being the “Stop de Kindermoord” protests (“Stop the Child Murder” in English) during the 1970s. Protesters called for better urban planning, traffic management, and infrastructure changes to prioritize the safety of pedestrians, especially children.

Visualisation of the four segments of the Groningen inner-city that were introduced with the traffic circulation plan. Google My Maps – own edit.

In Groningen

In 1972, a progressive left-wing government came into power in the city and set out to radically change the transport system. In 1977, the traffic circulation plan was introduced. The city was divided into four quarters that would not allow cars to drive directly from one into another – significantly limiting traffic by ensuring the city centre could not be used for through traffic any more. Pedestrians and cyclists could still move freely throughout the city and were given more space due to fewer cars and parking spaces. 

A Controversial Move

Some people, especially those living in old neighbourhoods, supported the suggested changes. However, the plan was controversial among shopkeepers in the city. They feared losing business as people would not be able to park their cars nearby to do shopping. To express their dissatisfaction, they demonstrated, displayed slogans on their shop windows, and the politician in charge of the traffic portfolio received threats due to the plan. 

Hindsight is 20/20

The traffic circulation plan was introduced overnight, with hundreds of new signs popping up very suddenly. While it caused short-term chaos, it was not the end of businesses in the city centre, the project’s popularity grew over time, and today it isn’t easy to imagine the city centre being home to droves of cars. Groningen is frequently reported as the city in the country with the largest share of journeys completed by bicycle, with it making up an estimated 60% share of traffic movement. This contributes to the city centre being tranquil and often surprising visitors with its quietness. 

A critique of the plan has been the lack of public participation in its implementation, but the overall result has received widespread praise; the framework has been popular with it being applied in other cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Ghent. The traffic circulation plan in Groningen is an excellent example of how a particular idea may seem radical at a specific time but, after being given a chance, turns out to yield incredible outcomes. Today, there is a continued effort to promote cycling, and there are some exciting infrastructure updates and experiments to look forward to in the city.

This article has been published before in the 2023 – Freshmen Issue.

Will the shopping street of yesteryear ever return?

The COVID-19 crisis has turned our world upside down, and the retail sector is no exception. The lockdowns, social distancing, and online shopping have hit the physical stores hard, leaving many empty, bankrupt, or struggling to survive. The shopping street, once a lively and attractive place to stroll along endless shopping possibilities, has changed significantly. Will its character and appearance return to the like of pre-COVID times? Or will it be replaced by a new retail landscape that is more digital, flexible, and sustainable?

The COVID-19 crisis has left a visible mark on the streets of many Dutch cities and towns. A notable count of shops have closed their doors permanently, leaving behind empty windows and signs of farewell. Some of them have been replaced by other types of businesses, such as delivery services, pop-up stores, or social enterprises. Others have changed their appearance, adding screens, stickers, or posters to indicate health and safety measures. Some shops have also expanded their outdoor space, creating terraces, parklets, or gardens to attract more customers. The streets have also become more colourful and creative, lively and diverse, as some shop owners, artists, or residents have decorated the facades, walls, or pavements with murals, graffiti, or plants, and entrepreneurs or community groups have organized events, markets, or festivals to revitalize the area. Also, the type of shops is changing, with a decline in non-food and a rise in cafés, bars and restaurants – although this was already a trend.

What does the future hold for the retail sector after the COVID-19 crisis? Well, it depends on who you ask. Some experts are pessimistic, while others are hopeful. For example, the Rabobank expects tough years ahead for retailers, especially those who sell non-essential goods like clothes, books, or toys. They think that online shopping will keep growing and that physical stores will have to offer more than just products to attract customers. They suggest retailers create more personalized, convenient, and fun shopping experiences by providing advice, delivery, or entertainment. They also recommend that retailers explore new ways of making money, such as selling online, providing subscriptions, or renting out space. Furthermore, since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, gas and energy prices have multiplied, affecting the affordability of physical stores.

Number of Retail Stores per Sector in the Netherlands. Source: Rabobank
Number of Retail Stores per Sector in the Netherlands. Source: Rabobank

On the other hand, Bouwinvest is more optimistic about the retail sector in the long run. They believe retail sales will recover and grow in the next few years thanks to rebounding purchasing power and pent-up demand. They also expect some types of shops and locations to do better than others, such as food, home improvement, and prime high streets. They foresee that the retail sector will change and adapt to the overarching trends of urbanization, sustainability, and digitalization. They envision shops becoming more mixed-use and multifunctional, combining with other uses like housing, offices, leisure, or services. They also anticipate that shops will become more green and circular, reducing their environmental impact and increasing their social value.

So, who is right? Well, perhaps both. The retail sector is facing numerous challenges and opportunities in the post-COVID era. While the classic shopping street won’t vanish entirely, it must undergo significant transformation to endure and flourish. It needs to reimagine itself as an even more appealing and distinctive destination, offering not only products but also experiences, services, and a sense of community. Furthermore, diversifying functions and uses is essential to meet the diverse needs and preferences of customers, residents, workers, and visitors. Embracing sustainable and circular practices is another crucial step for reducing its ecological footprint and enhancing its social contribution. In short, the established shopping avenue should enhance its resilience, adaptability, and innovation to effectively address the challenges and prospects of the post-COVID era.

This article has been published before in the 2023 – Freshmen Issue.

Over-tourism is Live and Thriving

After a few years of limited traveling opportunities due to the covid pandemic and its measures, people are back exploring the world. Especially during the summer months, the world’s most famous urban destinations are experiencing high numbers of tourists again. Changes in the tourism rate can naturally change the spaces and functions within. Undoubtedly, tourism can positively impact urban areas and the whole country, creating new jobs, empowering businesses, or developing new infrastructure. High numbers of tourists can negatively alter everyday life but also have long-lasting repercussions for places. This is known as over-tourism.  

Marking the boom of tourism

There were times when only the upper elite class could afford to go on a holiday. Since industrialization brought many social changes and economic shifts to many countries, mass tourism became an occurring phenomenon. Due to changes such as shorter workweeks and paid vacations, people could afford to take time off. Improved transportation further allowed people to choose a broader range of vacation destinations. With Thomas Cook’s pioneering travel agency, the concept of traveling for leisure took another form. Later, the rise of commercial airlines contributed to high tourism numbers, which continue to rise. 

Busy beach with anti-tourism slogan on a wall. Source: Loop News
Busy beach with anti-tourism slogan on a wall. Source: Loop News

Cities’ Solutions to Over-Tourism 

The good that comes from tourism for the city, region, or country is seen widely. Therefore many places implemented tourist taxes also known as bed taxes, occupancy taxes, or hotel taxes to fund local infrastructure, cultural preservation, and environmental initiatives. These taxes keep seasonally rising, and many places are announcing more charges in upcoming years. Tourist taxes can range widely; some are very low (under 1€), but usually below 20€. One extremely high case of a tourist tax is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in the Kingdom of Bhutan, which is around €200 per person a day. Not only cities or regions are setting these tourist taxes. European Union aims to develop a tax for non-EU entries outside of the Schengen zone in 2024, which would present a charge of 7€.

When the crowds get so enormous, there is a risk that there is no place for locals anymore. When the number of accommodation services drives the prices of rentals so high that locals cannot afford them, and when the pollution gets out of control, then strict measures to manage over-tourism are crucial. Cities worldwide are offering solutions to overcome the impacts of over-tourism.

A popular tourist destination in Italy, Florence, has suffered the impacts of over-tourism for years. One of the most significant issues that especially locals face is the sky-rocketed high prices for rentals in the city. This is caused by short-term rentals and tourist accommodations that can make enormous profits from tourists visiting the beautiful Renaissance cities and therefore pushing the rents for locals unaffordably high. The influx of tourists can drive up property prices and lead to gentrification, displacing long-time residents who can no longer afford to live in the city center. Therefore, the City of Florence has announced a ban on short-term rentals, Airbnb, and holiday rentals in the city’s center. They are hoping that this measure would get citizens their right to the city back.

This year, the City of Dubrovnik took steps to address concerns of massive crowds flooding the “Game of the Thrones” city in the summer months. The campaign “Respect the City” introduced by the city presents several rules restricting travelers. This campaign presented an animated video that educates people on respectful behavior. With bans on alcohol consumption in public, no climbing on historical monuments, or walking without a top on, Dubrovnik boldly banned luggage with wheels. Tourists are expected to carry their luggage noise-free from this year on. This rule aims to reduce the noise pollution caused by the wheels on the historical pavement, which many locals find disturbing. All the regulations introduced in the campaign can positively change the travel experience the city offers. Respect the city, and the city will welcome you.

When tourists don’t respect a city for continuous years, the situation can get progressively worse, leading to irreversible damage to the city’s cultural heritage and community relationships and a decline in the overall quality of the tourist experience. The negative consequences of prolonged disrespect can result in heightened tensions between locals and visitors, exacerbate issues of over-tourism, and ultimately threaten the city’s identity. This is an occurring experience in Amsterdam with a “Brits Abroad” culture. The permissive perception of Amsterdam is attracting Brits to get loose for a few days. Pub crawling, the Red Light District, and cannabis cafes are the main incentives behind these tourist experiences. This stereotyped behavior contributes to the negative perceptions of over-tourism, and Amsterdam is ready to fight back. Amsterdam has proposed a ban on Brits in an attempt to address these challenges. While nation-specific bans raise debate about ethical issues, it raises warning sign on respectful tourism.

The right to the city

To help navigate the interests surrounding different cities, it is helpful to look into multiple urban theories. A prominent social theorist calling attention to the concept of “right to the city” is David Harvey. The concept of “right to the city” calls for the right of all city dwellers to participate in and shape the urban processes that influence their lives. Harvey puts the priority of cities’ interests to the resident’s needs, arguing that profit should not be the main shaper of the city. This, in practice, could mean encouraging community participation in urban planning or ensuring affordable and adequate housing for all residents.

Next on the relevant urban theories to keep in mind when planning to combat over-tourism is Jane Jacobs, particularly in her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” offer insights that shed light on how over-tourism can arise and what strategies can be employed to address it. One of Jane Jacobs’ key theories is the importance of diversity and mixed uses in urban neighborhoods. In her view, vibrant communities thrive when they have a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational activities, creating a constant flow of people throughout the day. Over-tourism can disrupt this balance by causing areas to become overly concentrated with tourists, leading to the displacement of local residents and businesses and reducing the authenticity of the neighborhood. Jacobs also emphasized the importance of well-designed sidewalks and public spaces as essential elements for fostering social interaction and community cohesion. In places experiencing over-tourism, crowded sidewalks, and public spaces can lead to discomfort for both residents and visitors. Planners, in this light, have a crucial role not only in designing large enough sidewalks to cater to crowded spaces but also in encouraging diverse and mixed-use developments, where tourism activities are integrated into the existing fabric of the city rather than being concentrated in specific areas.

Henri Lefebvre opens the topic of “representational spaces” as the spaces created through symbolic representations, such as maps, images, and narratives. In the context of over-tourism, representational spaces play a crucial role in shaping tourists’ perceptions and behavior. Nowadays, we can see massive advertisements on social media which spread quickly and attract an overwhelming number of people to the destination in minimal time. Suddenly the narrative for such a place shapes the urban environment. This “place-making” easily leads to a place’s identity change.

Over-tourism is a complex issue that requires proactive measures to strike a balance between the interests of tourists and the well-being of local residents. To manage the impacts of over-tourism, many cities have implemented tourist taxes to fund and support the place’s needs. However, the overwhelming number of tourists can lead to an unforeseeable situation requiring tailor-made solutions. Over-tourism issues can be analyzed through the lens of various urban theories. By drawing from urban theories and fostering a collaborative approach involving residents, tourists, and policymakers, cities can balance tourism concerns and the well-being of their communities, ensuring that urban spaces and popular destinations remain intact for generations to come.

This article was published before in the 2023 – Freshmen Issue.

On the move

A beat dances down the stairs and through my cracked door as I sit on my mattress on the floor, my laptop balancing on my crossed knees. One of my housemates is testing a new set for a gig he is playing the following weekend. I can hear the front door bang shut as two other housemates come in, one laughing, one whining because they just came back from leg day at the gym. It is a sunny day in Brussels and I just moved here as I will start my masters this fall and it makes me think of the time I first moved to Groningen. In contrast to my move to Brussels, I had no time to adjust to the city when I first arrived in 2020. Due to the circumstances of my first degree, I had to wrap up my life on a Thursday, pack up on Friday, say goodbye to family and friends on Saturday, board a train on Sunday, and start my first day at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences on Monday.

Moving house is identified as one of the most stressful periods in a person’s life and the subject is well-studied in academic literature (Sandoval, 2013; Cheung & Wong, 2022; Garner, 2005). Moving is a very stressful yet necessary step for many people, most often young adults who move for education or job opportunities. Having moved to and lived in five countries, I agree with many of the emotions of stress identified by Dyson and Renk (2006) who studied the adjustment to university life of first-year students, such as stress, depression, and loneliness. The excitement of meeting new housemates who might become lifelong friends and the overwhelmingness of sitting in a lecture hall among a hundred fellow newbies for the first time make for a good emotional rollercoaster. According to the University website, 27% of the RUG students are international students, which means they have to assimilate into a new country and language, in addition to the new apartment, friends, and university life that the many Dutch students that moved from outside of Groningen have to adjust to.

The first time I moved, was to attend a university of applied sciences about an hour away from my childhood home. It was the closest I have ever lived to my parents and yet it was the hardest move for me. From one day to the next, I had to do everything on my own – from groceries to registration with the municipality. I knew how to do individual tasks, like laundry and cooking, but actually building up a routine took me some trial and error. Some tasks like proper time management or understanding the garbage disposal system unexpectedly sneak up on you. This transition into adulthood, paired with the struggle of trying to fit in and make friends, actually has taught me about who I am and what I value most in people. I met so many people and had countless great experiences in the years I spent doing this first degree, including a draining year abroad in Switzerland, even though I keep in touch only with two close friends I made during that time. The number of life lessons however is practically infinite.

Student mobility has been on the rise for decades, in Europe this has been especially facilitated by the Erasmus programme launched in 1987. Students move to countries for a higher quality of education, to improve their language skills, or to immerse themselves in a new culture. In 2021 the Erasmus+ programme has helped over 600.000 people into mobility activities in over 70.000 organisations. Over three decades of Erasmus has even led to several interesting phenomena, one of them being the “Erasmus Babies”. A 2018 study found that more than 16% of “Erasmus couples” had children, with an estimation of around one million babies having been born to couples who met while on Erasmus exchange. Another well-placated phenomenon is the “Erasmus Effect” (Dolce et al, 2023) which describes the increase of characteristics such as cognitive cultural intelligence and resilience students acquire while on exchange. True to the saying “a rolling stone gathers no moss”.

Moving in an exchange programme seemed easier to me even if it entailed a 14-hour flight to the other side of the globe. When I studied abroad as an exchange student in Korea during my third year, I quickly found a home with the exchange student community. Daily life was challenging but mostly framed as an adventure – trying a Korean supermarket for the first time or finding the best phone plan deal. I believe the awareness of the finity of staying abroad makes it easier to just get up and go. A stark contrast to trying to settle somewhere for several years, like coming to Groningen. Instead of making lists of sights to see and foods to try, I had made it my mission to find the best cheapest supermarket in Korreweg (spoiler, it is Lidl) and to organise my desk for the most effective online studying (thanks 2020). I immediately joined extracurriculars, Ibn Battuta and Girugten, to try and find friends beyond the lecture hall – something I felt I would not have enough time to really immerse myself in on the exchange, it was also somehow obsolete as I had the exchange student community. Great memories. Alas, all good things come to an end.

A rumble of steps comes down the stairs, one of my housemates yells a quick goodbye as she makes her way out the door. The smell of another housemate’s cooking is making its way through my cracked door. It is a rainy day in Brussels and I am laying on my bed, which is now standing in the middle of my furnished and unpacked room, several tabs open on my laptop. I am making a list of sights to see and extracurriculars to join.

Sources:

  • Dyson, R., & Renk, K. (2006). Freshmen adaptation to university life: Depressive symptoms, stress, and coping. Journal of clinical psychology, 62(10), 1231-1244.
  • Sandoval, J. (2013). The Stress of Moving. In Crisis Counseling, Intervention and Prevention in the Schools (pp. 198-211). Routledge.
  • Cheung, K. S., & Wong, D. (2022). Measuring the Stress of Moving Homes: Evidence from the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure. Urban Science, 6(4), 75.
  • Garner, H. (2005). Moving experience [The stress of moving house.]. Monthly, The, (Sept 2005), 34-39.
  • Dolce, V., Davoine, É., Wodociag, S., & Ghislieri, C. (2023). The road to an international career: The “Erasmus effect” on resilience, intercultural interactions and cultural intelligence. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 92, 101741.
  • European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Erasmus+ higher education impact study: final report, Publications Office, 2019., https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/162060

This article was published before in the 2023 – Freshmen Issue.