This time, due to the tight two-day schedule, we focused our tour on Amsterdam city centre.
First, we visited the northern Noord area, home to a disused shipyard where both public safety and soil conditions were poor. This neighbourhood has seen diverse individuals launch projects, driving development from the grassroots up. At NSDM, we heard directly from Eva De Klerk, who spearheaded the redevelopment. She shared how the area was revitalised as a new hub for artists and creators while simultaneously enhancing its value by preserving its historical significance as a shipyard that underpinned the Dutch Golden Age. At De Ceuvel, redeveloped to enable activities on land polluted by drainage, we observed the actual planting of vegetation as a soil remediation measure. We also inspected the renovated boats placed atop this, now serving as shops, studios, and co-working spaces. Subsequently, at A-Lab – which combines a lab with a university research institute – we learned about the renovation of a former major oil company building, how they connect people from diverse backgrounds such as creators, technologists, and social entrepreneurs, and inspected the urban vertical farm “Vertical Farm”. In the West Area, we visited Tuin van Bret, a popular spot transformed from stalled development land into a container-based workspace and winery that hosts community-engaging events. Architect and project initiator Saskia Oranje shared insights on funding ideas and the journey towards community building centred around the winery.
It proved a highly rewarding two days, offering opportunities to discuss environmentally-focused urban development, community building, and spaces for learning and exploration with local pioneers.