Public Design for Water Conference

Design power for the water transition

Water is essential for humans and nature, and it is intimately related with systems such as land, food, energy and ecosystems where major developments are in progress. Safeguarding the value of water in the context of these developments is not straightforward and it requires a transformation of thinking paradigms, structures, institutions, action perspectives and practices. A design approach creates the space to search for innovation in thought, action and organisation. Public Design for Water has to do with the research into intractable problems and the design of solutions for the water transition. The focus of this conference is on transformation within regional area management processes (both rural and urban) and on social innovation.

We cordially invite you to an exciting conference on 17 June 2025 to immerse yourself in the thinking, acting and experiencing of 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 these three tracks. We will go into depth with leading scientists and designers, and share success stories and lessons from Public Design practice. But we will also experience how we can deal with value conflicts by drawing on stimulating creative concepts and conversations.  When we make explicit what is ‘invisible’ in our culture – such as dominant convictions, structures, norms and practices – we can reflect together and develop transformative action. We invite scientists, artists, designers, water utilities, policy-makers, NGOs and businesses to join us in the conversation and share experiences about the how of the water transition. Together, we are setting the research and design agenda to address integrated water issues and are building a water-wise society.

 

 

 

Voorlopig Programma

09:00-09:30 Doors open ​
09:30-11:00 Plenary introduction ‘Design power for the water transition’
11:15-12:15 Sub-sessions round 1: ‘Thinking’, ‘Action’ and ‘Experience’ tracks
12:15-13:15 Lunch​
13:15-14:15 Sub-sessions round 2: ‘Thinking’, ‘Action’ and ‘Experience’ tracks
14:30-15:30 Sub-sessions round 3: ‘Thinking’, ‘Action’ and ‘Experience’ tracks ​
15:45-16:30 Plenary reflection
16:30-17:30 Drinks​

Speakers

Track 1 ‘Thinking’

In the ‘Thinking’ track, we will learn about the latest theories and methods to understand transitions and transformations, or to initiate interventions in complex systems. In this track, scientists will exchange ideas, concepts, methods and empirical insights on the how of the water transition and formulate research questions for the future research agenda.

For the ‘Thinking’ track, we invite researchers to make a scientific presentation (in English). The call for presentations is now open. Please send your abstract to Jan Starke by 15 March 2025

You’ll find more information here.

The working language for this track will be English.

Track 2 ‘Experience’

In the ‘Experience’ track, participants will themselves experience the power of art and design for transformative change. Learning is essential for change, and confrontation with existing thinking paradigms or rendering value conflicts explicit can lead to both surprise and wonder. In this way, we will create space for understanding the other perspective, reformulating (or integrating) the challenges and designing creative solutions.

For the ‘Experience’ track, we invite designers and artists to give form to one experience. Please send your outline to Fabi van Berkel by 31 March 2025

You’ll find more information here.

The working language for this track will be Dutch.

 

Track 2 ‘Action’

In the ‘Action’ track, we will show how a design approach can lead to true transformation. In this track, success stories will be presented and professionals working in practice, scientists and designers will describe the barriers (systemic and otherwise) that they have overcome collectively or still see ahead. Professionals will share experiences about how they concretely respond to the abstractions of a design approach, such as being reflexive, taking iterative approaches, and working inclusively and collaboratively. How can we create space for transformative learning and the (re)design of practices in the water sector?

For the ‘Action’ track, we invite researchers, practice professionals and designers to set up a reflection session based on the insights from an ongoing or completed project. Please send your outline to Fabi van Berkel by 31 March 2025.

You’ll find more information here.

The working language for this track will be Dutch.