1.4 The sustainability challenge of a sustainable accommodation system

The difference between the current and the future systems lays on that fact that the desired condition will have a higher focus on being independent. Moreover, there will be more available resources to fulfil the accommodation needs of the community.

The current system is static and the way it operates is the same as when divined by the architect, planner and designer. The future will be a system that changes and adjusts its targets at runtime, and therefore reacting to situations that occur at any time. Nowadays, the locals have to accommodate the tourists and supply them in peak seasons at their needs of infrastructure, accommodation and energy needs. These systems are still in place, even after the peak of tourism. By being more environmentally, socially and economically beneficial Texel will become completely different in high and low season where all systems will adjust. In this manner, tourism activities should be focused on resource management in which all economic, social and aesthetic requirements are fulfilled, while simultaneously respecting cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, and biological diversity (World Tourism Organization, 1993).

1.4.1 Research question and design challenge

The main research question will be how to let the tourism industry of Texel help change Texel into an independent innovative technology energy supplier, without damaging the nature and other touristic interest, optimize the use of resources  and fit to the societal needs

A high degree of tourist satisfaction is needed to maintain the island economy.  However, the needs of the local community should be taken into account before the goals of the tourism industry to gain public support. People working in the touristic sector can promote sustainable tourism initiatives, with local agents requiring objective tools to determine the degree to which activities are sustainable (Blancas et al., 2010; Camagni, 2002; Landford, 2009; Yunis, 2004 ). A certain degree of monitoring of existing and potential impacts is required, along with efficient management, to allow corrective or preventive measures.  

Within this challenge, it’s also important to keep in mind that the nature and beach of Texel should be maintained or improved to keep it interesting for tourists. The same can be said for other natural and cultural resources that support tourist activities, since an optimal use of resources allows for sustainable development (WTO, 2004). Lastly, some aspects of the island shifts between summer and winter, for example energy and water usage, food consumption and employment of locals. This offers an interesting potential for the design challenge.