Introduction to Geodesign Developments in Europe

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the GeoJournal Library book series (GEJL, volume 111)

Abstract

Geodesign in Europe was earmarked by the first Geodesign Summit Europe held in 2013 at the GeoFort, The Netherlands, where researchers and planners from 28 different countries gathered to exchange ideas on how the spatial sciences and design world could be merged. Based on innovations and applications showcased at the Geodesign Summit, this chapter concisely describes geodesign history from a European perspective and provides a definition to streamline future research and practice. Starting from Carl Steinitz’s seminal piece on the geodesign framework, the chapter positions geodesign as a relatively ‘new’ umbrella concept to a group of disparate conventional practices in design and the spatial sciences. ‘Geodesign thinking’ means using spatial technologies to answer ‘what if’ questions to design proposals on aspects like urban visibility, flood risks, sustainability, economic development, heritage appreciation and public engagement. It focuses on how we collaboratively design through geospatial technology, rather than focusing solely on developing the technology or design process. To adopt geodesign thinking, developments in spatial sciences and technology must go hand-in-hand with developments in organizational and educational practices and is a requirement for advancing geodesign into the near future.

Keywords

Geodesign European geodesign Spatial sciences 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Department of Spatial Economics, SPINlabVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands

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