Environmental and Infrastructure Planning (EIP) focuses on the sustainable planning of environmental issues, infrastructure and water. It does so from a spatial planning perspective, which implies exploring the relationship between societal and political processes on the one hand and infrastructure development, realisation and management, concerning roads, utilities, resources, water systems and the like, on the other. Specific attention is given to the question how planners, decision-makers and developers deal with this relationship, and how useful policy strategies can be established.
EIP aims at students with an academic interest in designing policy solutions for problems in the field of environment (for example, climate change), water (for example, flooding) and infrastructure (for example, mobility growth). The programme emphasises the integration of these fields, and internationally comparative learning. An ability to identify and suggest useful strategies from abroad, and comparing cities, regions and countries worldwide is essential.
The subject area of EIP is strongly embedded in society and hence of direct interest to many parties. Examples of EIP related spatial problems are abound, be it the High Speed Train system, locations for wind parks, urban growth, or the creation of lakes with artificial islands for up-market housing. The realisation of physical infrastructure or policies such as climate-change adaptation, road pricing or privatization of water supply are good examples of sensitive subjects that need to be handled with academic authority and appropriate planning skills. Water management, be it inland or in the coastal zone, is of immediate interest to the well being and safety of millions. Environmental impacts of human activities deserve a thorough understanding in order to safeguard sustainability.
The Master of EIP offers a thorough and academic profound curriculum with an emphasis on theory and methodology that provides a solid basis for leadership and a successful professional or academic career in the above areas and related fields of spatial intervention.
