Focus Module: Cartographic Explorations

Centred around Veenhuizen’s Colony of Benevolence—a remarkable historical site of utopian social reform—students of the focus module were introduced to deep mapping and other forms of mapping as a means to engage with the complexities of this site. The students stayed in Veenhuizen for various weeks to do fieldwork, follow interactive workshops, and perform extensive archival research. They engaged with both qualitative and quantitative data, uncovering hidden narratives embedded in the landscape. The project culminated in a compelling pop-up exhibition, showcased at the National Prison Museum, where the students presented their findings and interpretations of Veenhuizen’s stories embedded in the landscape.