Ecological and social coexistence and spatial justice – Lessons from last year’s scholarship recipients

About

Habitat Norway and our scholarship opportunity 

Established in 1988, Habitat Norway is a Norwegian non-governmental organization with the overall aim to promote the interest in and awareness of global urban challenges and settlement issues.  As the world continuously changes, and global spatial issues continue to exist and arise, we wish to support researchers in the pursuit of possible answers, solutions, or new perspectives. Therefore, the organisation has established a scholarship opportunity for master’s degree students who wants to look closer into subjects related to our fields of interest. Last year, the topics of the scholarship recipients evolved – in broad terms – around ecological and social coexistence and spatial justice.

Master seminar 

Learn more about the organisation, our fields of interst, and the scholarship opportunity at our upcoming seminar, on the 11th of September, at Litteraturhuset in Oslo. Along with the introduction of our organisation and the work we do, the thesis works of last year’s students will be presented here. The seminar will also mark the opening of applications for the upcoming scholarship of 2025/2026, where more information about the opportunity will be released.  

Last year’s recipients 

Represented here are the profiles of last year’s scholarship recipients – who they are, what they researched and what their research experience was like.   

Karina Tonietto Reis

Name: Karina Tonietto Reis 

Age: 36  

Nationality: Brazilian. I lived in Brazil my entire life before moving to Norway in 2022.  

What is your academic background? 

I recently completed my master’s in Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability at NMBU, in Ås. My academic background is quite varied—I have previous studies in Law and Architecture/Urban Planning from Brazil, and I also hold specializations in Civil and Commercial Law as well as in Responsive Cities.  

What is your thesis topic? 

Together with my colleague Rocío Alejandra Sandoval Pinos, I wrote a thesis titled “Landscape Justice: Landscape Architecture at the Intersection of Nature and Migration in Peri-Urban Areas” focusing on Brazil and Norway.  

Why did you get interested in this topic? 

My interest in this topic lies from both personal and academic experiences. As an immigrant navigating a new environment, I came to realize how important landscape is for migrants—not only in terms of access and integration, but also in how it affects one’s sense of belonging. With my background in law and planning, I have a strong interest in spatial justice, so this topic brought together many threads of my life and studies in a very meaningful way.  

What was the most challenging part of writing your thesis?  

The most challenging part of writing the thesis was simply getting started—staring at a blank page and deciding how to begin. But once I defined the theoretical framework and chose the methods I would use to analyze the case studies, everything else flowed more naturally.  

What was the most interesting or fun part of writing your thesis?  

What I enjoyed most was the fieldwork and analysis. Visiting communities and seeing on the ground what I have been studying in theory was incredibly enriching. While I had some awareness of spatial justice issues related to migration, applying a technical lens gave me a much deeper understanding.  

Were there anything unexpected or surprising that you came across/found out?  

One of the most unexpected findings was how transferable my observations were between the two case studies, even though they were in very different contexts. This really underscored the relevance of landscape justice across diverse geographic and cultural settings.  

How did Habitat Norway’s involvement affect your thesis?  

Habitat Norway played an important role in making this research possible. In addition to their financial support, which enabled me to travel to Brazil for fieldwork, they provided us with a mentor, Marcin, who offered helpful guidance throughout the process. I’m truly grateful to have received their scholarship. 

Rocío Sandoval

Name: Rocío Sandoval 

Age: 31 

Nationality: Mexican 

What is your academic background? 

I studied Landscape Architecture at NMBU and did a Bachelor’s in Architecture in Monterrey, Mexico

What is your thesis topic?  

Landscape Architecture at the Intersection of Nature and Migration in Peri-Urban Areas.  We compared two study cases, one in Brazil and one in Oslo. 

Why did you get interested in this topic? 

 I’ve always had an interest in social aspects within architecture. To be able to combine the passion for landscape along with social issues was an incredible opportunity that allowed us to explore how deeply the everyday landscape can impact a community’s well being. 

What was the most challenging part of writing your thesis?  

In the beginning we aimed to compare three study cases. During the process we had to drop one of them because accessing data on marginalized / irregular communities is very difficult, especially when doing it from a distance (Oslo – Mexico) 

What was the most interesting or fun part of writing your thesis?  

Being able to design a methodology based on literature, and then using it as a tool to analyze the study cases through that lens. Alongside, having a thesis partner to share ideas and conversation about this topic we were deeply immersed in was a very fulfilling experience. 

Were there anything unexpected or surprising that you came across/found out?  

I think the most surprising takeaway was discovering that while some neighborhoods might have less infrastructure and suffer from higher marginalization, if there was a possibility of appropriation of space there was a higher chance of community building and social interaction. 

How did Habitat Norway’s involvement affect your thesis?  

We had the opportunity to have Marcin Sliwa as a mentor, and his valuable insight on informal housing in Latin America was key to a better understanding of the data we were analyzing. His words of encouragement and direction were also a great motivator, confirming we were going in the right direction. 

Catarina Reis

Name: Catarina Reis

Age: 28

Nationality: Portuguese

What is your academic background? 

I have completed a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Economics, with specialisation in Public Policy. Currently, I’m doing a second Master’s degree in Human Security at Aarhus University in Denmark.

What is your thesis topic? 

I’m working on a product-based thesis that explores participatory monitoring methods in urban informal settlements, with a focus on community engagement and co-creation of knowledge. In short, I aim to develop a participatory monitoring tool using Photovoice as the main method.  

Why did you get interested in this topic? 

My interest in this topic began during an internship with Dreamtown, an NGO based in Copenhagen, which I started as part of my studies in September. During the interview itself, I realised how aligned their mission was with my own interests and past experiences. Although urban spaces are a new field for me, my studies in Human Security introduced me to the importance of urban environments as both ecological and social systems. My background in economics gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking, but I was eager to explore more qualitative, participatory approaches. Dreamtown’s community-driven ethos really inspired me to bridge both worlds. The idea of using Photovoice emerged from this synergy – combining creativity, youth engagement, and participatory monitoring in a way that feels both meaningful and innovative. 

What was the most challenging part of writing your thesis? 

The most challenging part was returning from fieldwork in Kampala. Immersing myself in the local culture, connecting with incredible people, and piloting the workshop was deeply enriching, but also intense. One and a half months felt too short to fully absorb everything. Translating those rich, layered experiences into a written thesis, while staying true to the complexity and authenticity of the stories has proven to be quite tough. 

What was the most interesting or fun part of writing your thesis? 

Again, fieldwork. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust and freedom I was given by both Dreamtown and Network for Active Citizens (a partner NGO in Kampala). Being able to continue my internship through this thesis collaboration made the process not only purposeful but also enjoyable. It felt like I was contributing to something real and impactful. 

Were there anything unexpected or surprising that you came across/found out? 

My thesis is still in progress and due at the end of September, so I’d love to revisit this question later once I’ve had more time to reflect on the findings. 

[Advice to the reader of this article – come to our seminar on the 11th of September to find out more!] 

How did Habitat Norway’s involvement affect your thesis? 

I first encountered Habitat Norway at the World Urban Forum in Cairo last year, while I was doing my internship. Being selected for their scholarship has been super motivating. It reinforced my desire to work closely with communities and to ensure that my thesis is not just academic, but also practical and participatory.  

Marrium Abid Sandhu

Name: Marrium Abid Sandhu  

Age: 28  

Nationality: Pakistani  

What is your academic background? 

Bachelors in Architecture and Design (Özyeğin University, Turkey) MSc Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability (NMBU, Norway)  

What is your thesis topic? 

Titled “Historic Parks Under Pressure: Urban Transformation of Green Spaces in Istanbul,” my thesis examines how urban growth and neoliberal planning are altering the character and function of two key green spaces in the city: Validebağ Korusu and Yedikule Bostanları. Both sites serve as vital ecological zones and hold deep cultural and social significance. Yet, they are increasingly vulnerable to development pressures, including infrastructure expansion, privatization, and ineffective policy oversight.  

Why did you get interested in this topic? 

This research stems from personal experience. While living in Istanbul between 2016 and 2020 for my undergraduate studies, I observed the city’s constant physical transformation. More striking, however, were the grassroots protests I witnessed—citizens mobilizing to defend green spaces from encroaching construction. These moments prompted deeper questions: What makes these parks so contested? What meanings do they carry for residents? And why are those meanings often excluded from official planning narratives?  

In exploring these questions, the thesis not only analyzes the evolving dynamics of Validebağ and Yedikule but also offers a comparative lens through Ekebergparken in Oslo, highlighting alternative approaches to managing and preserving urban green space.  

The research was driven by a core question: How can cities balance cultural heritage, ecological conservation, and urban development in transforming historic parks? Through qualitative case studies, I employed field observations, in-depth interviews, and archival research to uncover the layered histories and current struggles surrounding these parks. I also examined Ekebergparken in Oslo as a contrast—highlighting how participatory planning and community engagement can lead to more inclusive and sustainable urban transformations.  

What was the most challenging part of writing your thesis? 

Conducting research in Istanbul during a politically charged period (March 2025) posed significant challenges. Access to officials was restricted due to national protests, and concerns about government affiliation affected the openness of some participants. Language translation and legal complexities further added to the difficulty. Despite these hurdles, the research was strengthened by triangulating multiple data sources and engaging in continuous reflection to mitigate bias.  

Were there anything unexpected or surprising that you came across/found out? 

Among the most surprising findings was the extent of institutional fragmentation: overlapping and often conflicting authorities made it difficult to implement any coherent conservation plan. This highlighted the need for more integrated governance—one of the central policy lessons emerging from the research.  

Ultimately, the thesis underscores that protecting urban green spaces requires not just better legal tools, but inclusive governance and recognition of these areas as living, communal heritage. This work aims to contribute to global conversations about equitable urban development and the future of shared public landscapes.  

How did Habitat Norway’s involvement affect your thesis? 

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Habitat Norway for awarding me the scholarship that made it possible for me to travel to Istanbul and conduct critical fieldwork for my master’s thesis. Your commitment to inclusive urban planning and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange strongly aligns with the core themes of my thesis. The field visits in Istanbul allowed me to engage firsthand with local stakeholders, observe the ongoing pressures on green spaces, and gather invaluable insights that would not have been possible without your support.  

It is truly encouraging to see an organization like Habitat Norway prioritizing not only academic inquiry but also practical, on-the-ground research that aims to amplify the voices of the urban poor and safeguard the right to inclusive and sustainable cities. Thank you for believing in this work and for being a vital force in shaping just urban futures—both in Norway and beyond. 

Jenny Glaser Bjørnsen

Name: Jenny Glaser Bjørnsen 

Age: 27 

Nationality: Norwegian 

What is your academic background? 

Handing in my master’s thesis in the spring semester of 2025, concluded a two year education at the Human Geography master’s programme by the University of Oslo (UiO). My previous academic background consists of a bachelor’s in International Environment and Development Studies by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), with a year at Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Nottingham (UoN) in the UK integrated in the bachelor’s.   

What is your thesis topic? 

With a partial Norwegian title, “Delt Urbanitet – Divided and Shared. How the spaces of Nicosia and the ways they are used inhibit or promote bridging, bonding, or bordering across divides”, my thesis topic was based around the city of Nicosia in Cyprus, split in two between the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). In Norwegian, the word “delt” means both “divided” as well as “shared”, depending on the context. This became a fundamental part of the thesis, as the city is characterised by a shared yet dividing history, consequently affecting the socio-spatial relations between various social groups and spaces of the city today.   

Why did you get interested in this topic? 

I previously had no connection to Cyprus, other than the fact that I knew about the conflict, and was curious to research it further. Originally, I was curious foremostly about the ways in which the migration patterns and flows in the city affected the city spaces, and vice versa. This is still an important aspect of the thesis, as various immigrant communities have a clear impact on the spaces of the city. Yet, the deeper I dived into the matter, the more complicated the image became, eventually resulting in a greater focus on the general socio-spatial relations existing in the urban fabric, rather than specific ones.  

What was the most challenging part of writing your thesis? 

Combined with the time and wordcount limitations, the far most challenging aspect of writing this thesis was the number of aspects in terms of e.g. histories, cultures, experiences, and policies, that played a defining role in the shaping and transforming of socio-spatial relations in the city. As I attempted to uncover all these layers of a space, through various qualitative methods such as observations, counting, interviews, photo documentation, and archival research, the data and information I came in possession of was quite overwhelming.  

What was the most interesting or fun part of writing your thesis? 

Ordering and structuring the chaos that was all my data, through active usage of theories and terms both during and after the fieldwork, actually turned out to be a very fun job. Getting to know people along the way, who were so strongly engaged with and part of the various communities of the city, also fuelled my motivation for working with the very complex subjects of socio-spatial relations and spatial justice.  

Were there anything unexpected or surprising that you came across/found out? 

The most unexpected side of the research was perhaps the great number of motivated, engaged, kind, and helpful people I met while doing the fieldwork. It was a heartwarming experience to get to listen to all the stories I was told, and receive all the documents and resources that I was given by those entangled with the urban fabric of the city.  

 How did Habitat Norway’s involvement affect your thesis? 

Being fortunate enough to receive the scholarship from Habitat Norway gave me not only the resources I needed to follow through with the fieldwork, but also the confidence. I am very grateful for the trust that was shown by the organisation in my idea, as well as the curiosity and engagement that the members have for global spatial issues, which will continue to serve as a great inspiration to both myself and others. 

Curious at applying?

Habitat Norway’s scholarship program for the academic year of 2025/2026 will soon be in need of new applicants. We need Master’s students who are curious at looking into topics such as 

Architecture and urban planning: 

• Understanding of the city and the home as an architectural form 
• The city and the home as a right 
• Transport and public spaces 
• Transformation and reuse 
• Urban health 
• Participation; new methods for sustainable urban development 
• Settlements for refugees and migrants 



Structural challenges and social issues: 

• Land and property issues 
• Reconstruction after war, conflict and natural crises 
• Biological diversity, land degradation neutrality (LDN), and urban agriculture  
• Climate change and climate adaptation in cities 
• Safe urban spaces/safety in cities 
• The sustainability of Arctic cities 
• Inclusion and exclusion in ‘smart cities’ and ‘zero-emission cities’ 
• Participation and forms of cooperation linked to reconciliation and anti-polarisation 
• The oil fund’s global land and housing investments, and property/human rights perspective for investments 

Applicants are encouraged to work on issues related to our main topics. However, the choice of candidates is based primarily on academic quality, innovation and public relevancy. Project themes should seek to include local and global perspectives, and to build reliability across different contexts.  

Learn more about Habitat Norway’s scholarship opportunity at our master seminar in September. More information about the application process will be released soon after the seminar, and will be made available here on Norsk BOBY’s website.