Urban vitality is a concept reflecting the synergistic interplay of complex conditions that create a city's liveliness and significantly influence its livability. Distributing central area density becomes important in cities like Amsterdam, which face challenges such as housing shortages and overtourism in central areas. Consequently, enhancing the livability of areas outside the city center is essential. Livability also contributes to conserving the historic urban landscape and affects the city's sustainability. This study focuses on urban vitality as a means to enhance livability.

The primary objective of this research is to identify the conditions that affect the urban vitality of a neighborhood center and explore how these conditions can be applied to redesign. The case study focuses on Plein ‘40-‘45, a historic square and neighborhood center located in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Enhancing the urban vitality of this square is expected to improve this area's livability, alleviate Amsterdam’s urban problems, and positively impact the conservation of the historic urban landscape.

As a methodology for this research, a comparative case study was conducted to examine how to improve the use composition of this square. The comparative case is Spui, located in Amsterdam Centrum, a touristic place and already a lively square, where a comparison of the diversity and density of uses was made. In particular, the observation method was used to examine the relationship between uses and pedestrian activities. This method is particularly useful for identifying public life characteristics in a relatively small urban area like a square.

Meanwhile, the Amsterdam Nieuw-West, also known as the Western Garden Cities, has been recognized by The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands for its urban and green environment and structure as having historic significance. Therefore, a literature review was conducted to study how the square redesign should improve the green environment while respecting the urban and green structure.

The conclusion of this study shows that Plein ‘40-‘45 is primarily focused on residents in terms of use. For this square and neighborhood center to develop into an urban center, it needs to offer diverse and attractive uses for visitors and tourists. Additionally, improving the diversity and density of the green environment and providing green connections in the area are important from the perspectives of urban and green structures.