Regenerative Development in Urban Landscape Planning: A Comparative Study of Green Spaces in Utrecht

Abstract

This thesis investigates how regenerative development principles are interpreted and applied in urban landscape planning through a comparative study of two green space initiatives in Utrecht: Catharijnesingel and Stadstuin Food for Good. Rooted in systems thinking and living systems theory, regenerative development reframes green spaces not as static amenities but as dynamic, co-evolving socio-ecological systems. Although gaining attention in sustainability and planning discourse, the conceptual clarity and empirical grounding of this approach in urban contexts remain limited. Through a qualitative, multidimensional approach that combines document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and field observations, this research evaluates how five dimensions of regenerative development—Ecological Reciprocity, Community Agency, Accessibility and Equity, Cultural Embeddedness, and System Co-Evolution—are interpreted by different stakeholders and operationalised across both cases. Findings reveal that while both initiatives embody aspects of regenerative development, they differ significantly in governance models, spatial practices, and transformative potential. Catharijnesingel reflects institutional interpretations of regeneration, emphasising climate resilience and ecological restoration, whereas Food for Good embodies bottom-up regenerative practices through relational stewardship, collaborative place-making, and socio-ecological care. This study contributes to the conceptual articulation and practical application of regenerative development in urban landscape planning. It offers a flexible evaluation framework for planners, designers, and policymakers aiming to cultivate thriving, adaptive green spaces, supporting an emerging planning paradigm that centres on place-based potential, meaning-embedded co-creation, and long-term socio-ecological vitality.