Gideon Spanjar professor at Aeres University of Applied Sciences Almere

Dr. Gideon Spanjar

About Gideon Spanjar

Since 2020, Gideon Spanjar has been Professor of Innovation and Urban Green Space at Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Almere. His research group focuses on future-oriented urban design in governance and implementation. With research into nature-inclusive area development, climate adaptation, and bio-based housing focuses on creating healthy living environments for humans, plants, and animals. His work is rooted in ecosystemic thinking, leveraging biometric technology and bio-innovation to explore how cities sustain both biodiversity and human well-being. This takes shape in multi-year research projects such as:

  • Biodiverse Cities (EU-Interreg North Sea)
  • Nature-Inclusive Businesses (SIA, Ministry of LVVN)
  • Excellent Green Healthy Living Environment (Almere 2.0)
  • Future-Proof Living Environment (Growth Fund)
  • Building Skin Re-Naturised (NWO-KIC)
  • Campus stadsdeel Zuiderhage, Lelystad (Region Deal)

From 2016 to 2026, he was a senior project leader-researcher at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences within the Centre of Expertise City Net Zero and the Building Transformation research group. Here, he pioneered integrated physical-social strategies for 32 Amsterdam social-economically challenging neighbourhoods and led large consortia and international projects such as Cool Towns and Building for Well-being.

In addition, he serves on (supervisory) boards in the socio-ecological sector, including Stad & Natuur (City & Nature). As an author, he has contributed to several influential publications, including scientific articles, book chapters, and books for practice:

Spanjar is frequently consulted in national media on topics such as housing development, heat stress mitigation, and the design of nature-based cities. In 2026, the daily newspaper Het Parool published an extensive interview with him on climate-resilient urban density, balancing residential space demands, and integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into residential developments.