Merten Nefs

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