Opinion | Leonne Cuppen, initiator of DDD theme Countryside
Rural areas face major challenges due to urbanisation, climate change, an ageing population and digitalisation. Design can play a crucial role in this transition by providing innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of rural areas. How can design contribute to a sustainable future for rural areas?
Social Issues in the Countryside
Many outlying areas are facing an ageing population and the departure of young people to cities, putting pressure on liveability and basic services. In Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, for example, young people are leaving in search of better opportunities, leaving these areas with an ageing population. This pattern is repeated everywhere, making the future of rural communities uncertain.
In addition, agriculture and animal breeding, the backbone of rural economies, are strongly affected by climate change. Farmer Theo Beerendonk from Best explains how extreme weather and soil degradation are necessitating new, sustainable farming methods. The weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable, forcing farmers to find innovative solutions to work their land.
The digital gap between city and countryside remains a problem. Despite being the world’s leader in terms of Internet connectivity and digital services, this is often still limited in the outlying areas, hindering economic development and social cohesion. As a result, residents often miss out on the benefits of modern technologies that could improve their lives and work.
Traditional rural economies also need to adapt to changing market conditions and legislation. There is a growing need for diversification to create jobs and broaden the economic and environmental base. This requires new approaches and innovative solutions to keep rural areas vital.
The Role of Design in Transition
Design can help address these social issues by providing new perspectives and solutions. Lianne van Genugten of gastronomic and sustainable farm Vaderland, talks about how she works with the local community through participatory design to create a future-proof farm. Vaderland is about making conscious choices, making real connections and living together with nature.
Designer Tjeerd Veenhoven is working on a special project called House Veendam. By using local materials and innovative building techniques, he aims not only to reduce the ecological footprint, but also to boost the local economy. Huis Veendam aims to show that local resources can once again boost industry and inspire designers to implement sustainable solutions.
In Maastricht, the Jan van Eyck Academie is working on a materials library to help designers and artists work more sustainably. Giulia Bellinetti, head of Nature Research and coordinator of Future Materials, explains that the library offers a wide range of innovative and sustainable materials. This initiative helps designers make conscious choices and put sustainability at the heart of their creative processes.
Designer Marte Mei is working on Land Alley, a project arising from her time at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Land Alley is a nature management methodology based on alliance with non-human entities. The aim is to facilitate an intimate connection between humans and nature by providing a place where people can connect with nature by caring for it themselves.
Conclusion
It is clear that rural areas face major challenges, but the stories of designers such as Dries Segers, Lianne van Genugten, Tjeerd Veenhoven and Marte Mei show that change is possible. By embracing the power of design, we can create a future where rural areas not only survive, but thrive.
Design offers a path to sustainability, inclusiveness and resilience. It is up to all of us – designers, policymakers and communities – to work together to make this vision a reality. The countryside has a rich history and, with the right approach, it can also have a promising future.
