Amsterdam's Journey
Changing the urban fabric
E.E.W. Huisman (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
R.V.M. Peeters – Mentor (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice / A)
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Abstract
The urban history of Amsterdam has changed a lot over the past centuries, with the city’s streets and waterways serve as conduits of transformation. From its modest origins amidst peat bogs to its emergence as a bustling hub of commerce and culture, Amsterdam’s story is intricately connected with the evolution of transportation.
At the heart of Amsterdam’s narrative lie its iconic canals, once vital arteries of trade that shaped the city’s growth and identity. The evolution of transportation modes across centuries, from the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carriages to the seamless efficiency of electric trams tell a story about the urge to adaptability and change. Amsterdam’s landmarks, like Central Station, emerged as symbols of progress against a backdrop of changing urban landscapes forever. Progress is never without challenges. Tensions between modernization and preservation arise as ambitious projects like the Ring of Amsterdam (A10) reshape neighborhoods, leaving behind scars that highlight the delicate balance between evelopment
and heritage.
By examining historical maps, paintings, and archival records, information has been gained on how transportation has shaped Amsterdam’s urban fabric, illustrating the city’s dynamic evolution over time. Transitioning from growth and expansion to integrating car traffic into Amsterdam’s existing urban landscape, thereby enhancing accessibility throughout the city.