dr. F (Franziska) Komossa

Franziska Komossa is an Assistant Professor of  Integrative Planning for Landscape Multifunctionality at the Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning group at Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the Netherlands and an editorial board member of Landscape Online.

Her research looks at human-space interactions through the lens of landscape multifunctionality. The multifunctionality concept is closely related to Ecosystem Services as well as Natures’ Contributions to the quality of life for People (NCP). Landscape multifunctionality refers to the integration of various functions within a landscape, such as biodiversity/ wildlife, residential, agricultural as well as recreational functions. She believes that understanding these functions should be complemented by insights into the needs and perceptions of different stakeholders who use the same landscape. This integrative approach helps to navigate trade-offs in multifunctional landscapes, which is particularly relevant for land use planning and management in peri-urban areas, such as large parts of the Netherlands.

She has developed expertise in the social sciences, environmental sciences and digital humanities. Her work employs interdisciplinary, often place-based methods, such as spatial analysis and participatory GIS, as well as statistical approaches and the analysis of unstructured texts. Additionally, she has extensively engaged in qualitative research, including expert and stakeholder workshops, surveys and interviews.