Space&Matter was invited by the Dutch Design Foundation's What if Lab to collaborate with Sweco on the question: What if industry stays in the city? When faced with multifaceted questions, the research introduces a multi-stakeholder engagement process, emphasising in-depth problem understanding and user input for socially valuable designs. We believe that combining desk research with the input of current and future users is essential for crafting spaces that meet their needs and harness the social values of the places we design for.

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Cities have long been pushing industries away, distancing work and living areas, leading to social and economic challenges. Just societies require mixed-use neighbourhoods for job access, energy transformation, and circular economies. Through stakeholder engagement, involving the municipality, local businesses, and residents, we asked: "What if industry stays in the city?" Our key insight revealed that the primary challenge lies in managing the transitional phase, focusing on mobility in transformed industrial zones.