From Grey to Green: case studies into the use of collective green spaces in Amsterdam built late 19th/early 20th century

Abstract

Green spaces are of great relevance today as climate change and the current pandemic highlight the need for more nature in the urban realm. The environmental, psychological and economical benefits of green space in rapid urban densification is clearly evident and increasingly, green is (re)introduced in cities. Private, public or collective green spaces are also strong enablers for civic engagement. The focus of extant research has mainly been on public or private green spaces while collective green spaces seem less investigated. This thesis endeavours to join different disciplines connecting collective green spaces, linking these to spaces in Amsterdam built in the late 19th, early 20th century, and investigates if use has changed over the last century. Three characteristics were identified used for the analysis of collective green spaces: ownership, accessibility and sociability. The case studies investigated are: Vondelpark, Bellamyplein and Zaanhof. The analysis shows that ownership has indeed changed over the last century, but that accessibility and sociability remained relatively similar, within the historical boundaries and zeitgeist of the different periods. Ownership changed from private to public as maintenance could not be afforded anymore and municipalities controlled urban planning. Collective green spaces were designed to bring residents together, providing play areas for children and to enjoy nature individually or together; this is still very accurate 100 years later. While this research has made a small contribution to the research canon, further research could investigate additional characteristics and expand the number of collective green spaces in Amsterdam, the Netherlands or internationally.