The number of elderly people in the Netherlands is growing significantly, and by 2070, one-quarter of the Dutch population will be aged 65 or older. However, loneliness among this expanding demographic is a major concern in the Netherlands. The housing in the Tarwewijk neighborhood is unsuitable for elderly residents, resulting in their minimal presence in the area. Conversely, the neighborhood is home to a large number of children. Creating an intergenerational environment for both young and old contributes to the mental, social, and physical well-being of both age groups. This paper explores how such an intergenerational environment can be designed to encourage planned activities and spontaneous encounters. The themes of togetherness, play, learning, and caregiving serve as guiding principles for designing an intergenerational space.

The slogan of the Groene Grachten (2018) for the flagship project at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 136 is ‘If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere!’ The renovation of the building in 2021 serves as a model for other canal houses to demonstrate that even these monumental buildings can be made sustainable. The aim of this paper is to investigate in what extent the integration of sustainability does align with the authenticity of heritage in the renovation of Amsterdam’s canal houses. This will contribute to gaining insight into how sustainable renovation of monumental buildings can be approached. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore fundamental aspects of authenticity. Subsequently, historical research was undertaken focusing on the city of Amsterdam. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 136 was identified as a case study to investigate authentic values and sustainable innovations within a canal house setting. The research underscores the challenges and compromises involved in preserving authentic appearances while implementing sustainable measures, especially focusing on the facade where authenticity is most pronounced. Overall, the study highlights the complex interplay between authenticity and sustainability across building layers, emphasizing the need for strategic compromises and innovative solutions to effectively achieve preservation goals.