In the summer of 2022, the Amsterdam Parliament adopted the Omgevingsvisie Amsterdam 2050: A Metropolis of Humanity. The environmental vision thus replaces “Amsterdam 2040”. The environmental vision incorporates the challenges facing Amsterdam, describing an ideal development path based on five strategies.
The vision also includes the development space framework and strategy implementation agenda.
The background of the 2050 vision is special. The mayor of Amsterdam, Donick, wrote in his foreword: “Amsterdam is at a special moment in its nearly 750-year history. During the drafting of this future vision for 2050, the world was destroyed by a The rapid growth of Amsterdam’s economy, its population and its tourists came to an abrupt halt due to the pandemic. In these uncertain times, the city administration of Amsterdam has chosen to keep its eyes firmly on the future. “Amsterdam 2050” Drawing a clear long-term course is important because it is the uncertainty that has created the need for government guidance. The influx of residents, tourists and foreign capital in recent years has thrown us out of control. In addition, climate change, biodiversity loss, population aging and internationalization pose major challenges for Amsterdam…”
Facing an uncertain future, the municipal government of Amsterdam chooses to start from the future of human habitation and try to provide some model references for the future development of cities around the world from a local perspective, so as to become a common metropolis for mankind.
5. Simultaneous strategies to find the way to an uncertain future
Multi-centre development
Multi- center development means that Amsterdam will expand outward from the city center and move towards a multi-center and more diverse urban model. An efficient rail and metro network connects the Amsterdam metropolitan area. As a rapidly growing metropolis, Amsterdam City Hall looks forward to enhancing the city’s attractions and living environment in order to attract international companies and knowledge institutions.
It is estimated that by 2050, the Amsterdam area will welcome 200,000 new immigrants from all over the world. For the resettlement of these resettlement areas, the downtown area will not be the only choice, but will also spread to the surrounding satellite urban areas based on efficient railway infrastructure and transportation, and pay attention to the development of the station area through high-quality public transportation and subway networks.
In addition to the current central city and Zuidas, Amsterdam also needs a new characteristic urban core, so the urban development of Nieuw-West, Zuidoost and Noord will be put on the agenda. On the one hand, polycentric development aims to increase employment in core areas, and on the other hand, it hopes to break the increasingly serious uneven distribution of growth, spatial segregation and inequality of opportunity in Amsterdam.
In the balanced development of the city, the urban agglomeration and the whole region, Amsterdam looks forward to building more diversity in the metropolitan area, and at the same time, with more cohesion, making Amsterdam a multigenerational city.
Growth within limits?
Increasing urban density through comprehensive, sustainable regional development.
Space for 150,000 new homes in existing blocks
Improved sustainability of existing blocks and homes
Space for clean energy and sustainable initiatives Sustainability in the Port of
Amsterdam
Growing within limits means reducing ecological footprint while being compact Urbanization is an important means to achieve this goal. A compact central area means that the landscape outside the city can remain open, residents travel short distances, and infrastructure can be used efficiently.
By 2050, Amsterdam will make room for at least 150,000 housing units within its current city limits for 250,000 Amsterdammers, in neighborhoods where work and life will be mixed. This mixed growth contributes to the social quality of the existing city and achieves sustainable development goals. Growth within the ultimate limit contributes to the creation of the “Doughnut City” (a new economic development concept for the city of Amsterdam), building a solid social infrastructure and integrating the city’s practical use of space, use of raw materials and impact on climate change drop to lowest.
Sustainable and healthy
mobility Develop the whole of Amsterdam as a city for walking and cycling.
Create attractive and outdoor-friendly public spaces More space
for cyclists and pedestrians
Cars are guests
Busy traffic routes become green boulevards
Behind these measures is Amsterdam’s growing high-density spatial environment, Use of scarce space. As long as the air is clean, the living environment is safe, and residents are attracted to play and exercise, a high-density space environment does not conflict with a healthy living environment. Therefore, in the deployment logic of public service facilities, accessibility is a very important principle. In the not-too-distant future, residents of Amsterdam will be able to reach nearby construction facilities, shops, nightlife venues and parks within walking and cycling distances, and a large area of greenery will also be within walking distance.
By 2050, the rights of way for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport will steadily increase, further restricting the range of cars in the city center, leaving only essential transport, such as emergency and rescue services, logistics and facilities for the disabled. Achieving a city with low car ownership requires major efforts. One of Amsterdam’s innovations is to build a P+R-type traffic interchange hub that closely combines public transport connections and car stops, so that residents have more convenience when working and riding infrastructure. Connect conveniently.
Strict greening Provide a healthy and climate-adaptable living environment
for people and animals.
Greening public spaces as much as possible
