Futures through Design

Design research aims to push forward new perspectives by shaping future scenarios rooted in a critical analysis of the contemporary context. 

We focus on challenges at the intersection of three lines of research:   

• co-design, here fleshed out by actively involving end users in view of the participatory and emancipatory power of design as a process;   
• conservation through development, focusing on the reinterpretation and updating of heritage assets, such as historic estates and traditional crafts;   
• socio-ecological systems, pointing to the intertwining of natural and cultural processes, and the relationship of both human and non-human actors to each other and their environment.

By addressing concrete challenges in a multi- and transdisciplinary way, we aim not only to provide future-oriented solutions that avoid negative impact, but also to maximise their positive impact. Here, sustainable innovation of our human environment is at the forefront, both materially and in terms of behaviour and value patterns, with an overarching focus on increasing quality of life.

HOGENT wants to make a difference in and for society and goes for research and services with sustainable impact. We cocreate to find solutions to concrete problems of companies, organisations and governments and focus on the major societal challenges of today and tomorrow.