(Dis)Continuity

Abstract

Amsterdam faces a problem common to many historical metropolises of Europe – how to maintain constant transformation of urban fabric in a changing world while preserving its heritage at the same time? Pushing new investments outside the borders of historical areas create a risk of transforming a living organism of a city into an artificial open-air museum, with no relation to new districts that are becoming standalone cities on their own. In Amsterdam this process is visible especially in the south, where a new financial centre, Zuidas, is becoming an isolated island of international corporations, detached from the rest of the city and nearby Oud Zuid that, on the other hand, lacks public and cultural functions.

In my project I attempt to improve urban environment by creating connections over the borders and effectively breaking isolated clusters, maintaining continuity within the city and between the districts, as well as enhance life quality and environment between the buildings. The project is a landmark, a reference point in a new network of walkability that introduces a concept of a new typology of a public function for Amsterdam 2050 – a climate centre. Its aim is to multiply green area ratio and purify the air, effectively improving local climate as well as offering a new activity space for locals and an attraction for tourists outside their cluster within the central city.