Biografy
Merten Nefs
- Email address
- nefs@ese.eur.nl
- Phone
- +31 (6) 25133560
- Room
- Mandeville room T19-37
- Address
- Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
3062 PA
Rotterdam
Merten Nefs is a spatial researcher and planner, with a background in design and a special interest in the tension between space and economy. He is currently working on strategic projects around (logistics) business parks and on PhD research Landscapes of Trade. Central questions are:
- How is the spatial-economic pattern of the logistics complex developing (especially the distribution centres);
- What role do policy narratives and instruments play (Nederland Distributieland, Mainports), and various stakeholders;
- And what starting points are there for sustainable further development?
Merten likes to apply (geographical) data analysis, data visualization and cartography in research, combined with interviews and other methods. He also has experience writing scientific, professional and news articles, and organizing debates and other events.
Merten previously worked at design agencies in the Netherlands and São Paulo, and at think tank Vereniging Deltametropool. He also gives (guest) lectures at various courses, including the MCD, TIAS, TU Delft, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and Amsterdam Academy of Architecture.
Research interest
- Urban and regional development
- Spatial impact of logistics
- City logistics
Projects
A selection of recent projects by Merten Nefs
The city as a walk-in closet - how urban trends influence personal use of spaceThis project focuses on an underexposed aspect of human activities in the city: stuff. Through literature research, interviews with experts and scenario analysis, the study explores possible developments and their consequences for the government and the market.
Status: Active project
Duration: 2023-2024
Project partners: Erasmus Trust Fund and ALLSAFE
Landscapes of TradePhD research on the growth of the logistics complex of the Netherlands since 1980. The study analyses the spatial pattern of distribution centres and the underlying policy, actor network, social debate around ‘doom’ and the possibilities of planning for a sustainable (circular) logistics complex.
Status: Completed
Duration: 2019-2024
Universities: TU Delft and Erasmus University
DISCO - Sustainable urban logisticsEuropean project on implementation of zero-emission urban logistics, based on the Physical Internet concept. Erasmus UPT specifically focuses on using underused terminals at the city's periphery for sustainable last-mile logistics (DISCO-BAY).
Duration: 2023-2025
Project Partners: Horizon Europe, CERTH, FIT, Gent, Kopenhagen, Thessaloniki, BUAS and others
The Right Company in the Right PlaceWhat if not only current space demand but also future societal needs determine the filling of business space? This study defines five aspects of Rotterdam's essential economy and maps them spatially: Fundamental Economy, Practical Work, Sustainability, Digitalisation and Circular Economy.
Duration: 2023
Project partners: Municipality of Rotterdam, Neo Observatory, Roots advies and SKBN
Getting a grip on large-scale business establishmentsThis spatial study informs policymakers at national and provincial level on what types of logistics clusters will be relevant in the emerging circular economy, where they can be planned, and how they can fit into the environment.
Duration: 2022-2023
Project partners: BZK, EZK, IenW, IPO, Stec, BCI, Vereniging Deltametropool and BURA urbanism
The logistics of tomorrowWith the logistics sector, governments and civil society organisations, this project explored the contours of a new logistics narrative, as a sustainable successor to ‘Netherlands Distribution Country’.
Duration: 2022-2023
Project partners: Board of Government Advisors, Dilas, Deltametropolis Association, BZK, EZK and others.