Dear readers,
What appears in your mind, when you imagine the future?
As planners and designers, we have creative spirits. We are dreamers. Dreamers of a better future – one which we come to realize through our impactful expertise.
When I was a child, I always loved to dream about what the future could look like. Science-fiction books, films, series and games fuelled my imagination for a more exciting tomorrow. Back then, I could not wait to be among the first to step aboard a rocket and venture off to space, where I could design the cities aboard colossal starships, or even plan the future landscape if Mars were to be terraformed.
My parents always frowned when I told them about my plans. Now that I’m older, I see why. Could I truly leave behind the beauty of our planet? Our pale blue dot, which still has so many challenges to overcome?
No, I cannot. My future lies here, on earth.
In my personal opinion, I think it is a lot more exciting to shape the future in a place that is not a ‘tabula rasa’, or in other words, a ‘clean slate’. Our planet is packed with stories and spirits from those that have come before us. Look at The Netherlands alone – every square meter has been planned and designed. To make something new means to see and think differently.
This theme of Future landscapes guides us along these new perspectives and mindsets coming from various planners and designers across the world. We will see what the future of living could be like in The Netherlands, as the weather becomes more extreme and the population continues to grow. Visions for a nature-based Europe are presented. We question our collective idea about utopia. And we venture to Singapore – one of the most advanced and futuristic cities in the world. Or is it?
Don’t forget to check out the website and socials each Tuesday in the coming month, because there are many more interesting publications coming up! Such is the column of Pim, who captures the state of the world as it is dealing with the future uncertainties and complexities just perfectly, in my opinion. I agree with him – it feels like it is growing harder to overcome our challenges.
That brings me to the cover photo for this editorial piece. In the summer of 2024, I made my first-ever hike with a group of friends. Our vision was set on reaching the summit of one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees. On day one, we saw the summit from the base of the valley, unaware of the challenge it would be to achieve our vision. Each step became tougher, each slope became steeper. The last few hundred meters are visible in the photo. After the glacier, the ascension to the summit was practically a vertical path. The steps I took here were undoubtedly the most daunting steps I have ever taken, forming the ultimate test for my endurance. At this moment, nothing else matters – it is just you carrying yourself up to your goal.
But then, after all the exhaustion, you finally make it to the summit. You have achieved your vision. You have reached your future. You can relax, and look back at the incredible path you have taken to come there. Once you were but a small dot at the base of the valley, and now you stand all the way up top, rewarded by the most breathtaking view over the landscape you just conquered.
Let this vision not be your end. One challenge has been overcome. New challenges lay ahead, however challenging they may be. So I would suggest, keep on dreaming and never underestimate the power of your influence, for your thoughts and visions will shape the cities and landscapes of tomorrow. No matter what the future will look like, I am excited to see you all there!
Best regards,
Ian Witte
On behalf of the editorial team of TOPOS
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