Co-design and participation seem to be standard urban practice. But what does this really mean beyond inflated buzzwords? Do you want to unfold the complex practices of genuine urban co-design? Then please apply!!

This PhD project gives you the opportunity to draft your own proposal within this broader theme and select cases that you find interesting to explore.

You will join the Urban Studies section at the Department of Urbanism in the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. Consisting of a group of highly interdisciplinary scholars, the section studies the interactions between people and their social and built environments, and the effects of urban design on their behaviour.

Link to apply: https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-Co-Designing-Just%2C-Liveable%2C-and-Inclusive-Urban-Futures-2628-CD/824335402/

There is great interest in this position and I receive a lot of questions. I’ve formulated these FAQ which hopefully answers your question as well. 

FAQ:

Do I need to submit a research proposal to apply?

No, you do not need to submit a research proposal at this stage. However, one of the opportunities of this position is that you can draft your own research proposal. So you are welcome to share any first ideas you may have in your motivation letter and we will definitely discuss this during the interview.

What does the PhD program at TU Delft look like?

You can find more information about the TU Delft graduate school here: https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/phd

Do I need to move to Delft for this PhD?

You do not need to move to Delft specifically, but you need to live in the Netherlands to be able to work at TU Delft. Working on this PhD project remotely is not possible.

What is the expected start date of this position?

The PhD is expected to start in the fall of 2025, but a later date is possible.

Can I apply without a Master degree to this position?

You need to have a Master degree to be able to start the PhD.

Is there already a defined case or city for this project?

Ideally, the PhD candidate would embed their research my on-going research projects. These are all based in Dutch cities in The Netherlands. In this way, you can really profit from the existing network, collaborate with partners from practice and have kick-start of your research. However, selecting other cases or cities is possible, but be aware that there is no funding available for travelling to do case studies abroad. There are a lot of interesting developments and opportunities in the Dutch context which I envision this PhD project to connect to. 

Can I compare Dutch cases to cases abroad?

Sure you can, but as I wrote before, there is not funding for travelling. This means we need to first secure funding for visiting other countries. 

Are there opportunities for teaching during the PhD?

Yes, once you are settled in your research we can also discuss how you can contribute to teaching.

Do I need to speak Dutch to be able to apply?

Not speaking Dutch is a disadvantage but does not mean you cannot apply. Depending on your other skills and assets, not speaking Dutch may be less of an issue. However be aware that if you want to engage with Dutch communities, speaking the local language is definitely an asset.