Space before transitions

Space as a starting point

“If we want everything to stay as it is, everything must change.” This famous quote from The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (1958) also applies to the Netherlands’ prosperity. If we want to preserve it for future generations, we must accelerate multiple transitions, including the transition to sustainable energy, climate adaptation and a circular, sustainable economy.

All of these transitions require space, while existing systems often remain operational and other sectors, such as housing development, also have a spatial claim. As a result, the Netherlands faces growing pressure on its limited physical space. Rather than treating this as an unavoidable constraint, we should make a virtue a necessity and consider spatial implications much earlier in transition processes.

How can spatial considerations be integrated at the very beginning of transition thinking, and what value does a shift towards space before transitions create? Four projects illustrate the opportunities this mindshift offers.

Space before technology development

In a study exploring the spatial challenges of the Dutch energy transition (in Dutch), we reversed the original question. Instead of asking where is there room for renewable energy technologies?, we asked how can new technologies generate more energy per square metre? In doing so, the anticipated constraint of spatial scarcity became the guiding principle.

We developed four strategies to reduce spatial claims and discussed these with TNO experts in relation to emerging energy technologies. The mindshift reveals that several strategies could be incorporated relatively easily into technology development. By reducing spatial requirements, these technologies are also more likely to be implemented more rapidly.

Space before energy

The mindset can also be applied to existing energy technologies. Within the Space for Energy programme (in Dutch), researchers explored potential solutions (in Dutch) to bottlenecks arising at the interface between energy planning and spatial planning processes. They also investigated how modelling could help better align these domains.

The resulting model literally maps both spatial and energy-related challenges at the start of the tactical planning phase. This enables a more balanced dialogue between the energy and spatial domains during the exploratory stages of decision-making. The tool can also be used to assess

alternative solutions, whether spatial or energy-related, and to further develop preferred options based on the interests and objectives of both domains.

In housing developments, for example, this approach can help prevent buildings from being completed without a connection to the energy network. In energy projects, it can improve coordination between spatial planning procedures and permit applications. By introducing spatial considerations earlier, valuable time can be saved later in the process.

Space before health

Within TNO’s Balanced Spatial Choices programme, we examined the expected cumulative health impacts of climate change (in Dutch) in local living environments. Municipalities and public health services were introduced to predictive spatial models that map the effects of heat, air pollution and pollen exposure, while also providing insight into their individual and combined impacts on health and wellbeing.

By integrating the results of these spatial models, future critical locations and periods can be identified. Municipalities indicated that combining these models with other spatial datasets helps them prioritise policy measures and projects more effectively. This applies both to short-term decisions, such as event permits, and to longer-term interventions, including area development projects. This with the aim to avoid or mitigate anticipated periods of heightened health risks for residents.

The mindset therefore contributes not only to the Netherlands’ future prosperity, but also to the health and wellbeing of its population.

Space before the economy

A final example demonstrates that maintaining prosperity also requires a different spatial perspective on economic development. In economic policy documents, space, when considered at all, is often expressed simply in the square metres required. Moreover spatial planning decisions are frequently based on a single economic vision for a location, resulting in mono-functional business areas and limited spatial flexibility.

A framework developed by TNO Vector encourages a broader perspective on both earning capacity and space. Its approach to earning capacity is grounded in the concept of broad prosperity. Its spatial perspective distinguishes between Space and Place. Space refers to the physical environment, including locations, infrastructure and networks. Place refers to the social, cultural and institutional context that shapes those locations.

Within the framework, Space and Place are complementary. Physical space enables activities to take place, but social and institutional conditions determine whether locations actually generate innovation and economic value.

Applying this framework to different types of work and innovation environments, such as campuses, business parks, multimodal hubs and mixed-use innovation districts, generated valuable new insights for participants. The mindshift illustrates how companies can collaborate through innovative ecosystems to create shared value and how more deliberate spatial choices can contribute to stronger, more resilient work and innovation environments.

New opportunities for transitions

These projects demonstrate that adopting a space before transitions mindset can reduce pressure on scarce physical space. By integrating spatial considerations earlier and more effectively, development processes can be accelerated and new solutions to societal and economic challenges can emerge.

In this way, the shift towards space before transitions contributes to the Netherlands’ future prosperity and wellbeing.