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netherlands
cycling, paper planes and workshops
In November, we headed over to the Netherlands for a week to explore the different interactions that take place in the city of Amsterdam and apply any of our findings to our studio projects.
We chose to visit other cities during
our stay in the Netherlands in order to find out more about the country as a whole, as Amsterdam has become densely populated and tourist focused throughout the years.
There were plenty of moments during the trip that had a lasting impact on my impression of the Netherlands, and in turn an effect on my architectural approach to my project. One of these was at Mediamatic in Amsterdam. A project that aims to regenerate parts of the city by occupying and situating itself in disused buildings and bring art, offices, cafes and gardens to the sites.
The greenhouse space in Mediamatic served as a café/restaurant space that looked out onto the water. The space felt comfortable and provided great shelter from the rapidly changing weather conditions that went from wet to slightly less wet throughout our visit.
Another space that we came across was called Public Workshop Amsterdam. A workshop on the outskirts of the city that, for a small annual membership fee, would provide tools and equipment to its patrons.
Hoge Brug (Python Bridge), Amsterdam.
Hoge Brug (Python Bridge), Amsterdam.
drivers in context
It was during this week that I had managed to fully synthesise my project drivers, as a result of a few chance-experiences. Below is an explanation of how these spaces have influenced each of my project drivers and helped them come to fruition.
bridging the gap between cycling infrastructure and cycling culture
1
The visit to the Netherlands gave me the opportunity to better envision what a cycling city would look like. It was here that I had noticed that there is not a distinct cyclist stereotype, no Lycra or bright colours to be seen anywhere. My experiences of public transport, cycling and walking around Amsterdam has helped me understand the need to successfully address the gap between cycling infrastructure and the culture that comes with it.
providing a focal point for local activity and connecting existing community assets
2
The open workshop and mediamatic in Amsterdam were both great examples of these ideas. Giving the community a place to gather and create and exchange ideas is key in helping the people of Stretford feel more in control of their own destiny.
creating a space for the exchange of skills, knowledge and information for the community
3
Amsterdam was particularly chock full of local initiatives and hubs that aimed to help small, often marginalized communities, to thrive through the exchange of knowledge. During the visit to the city, we had stumbled across the BOOST centre, which was an initiative aimed at helping refugees in Amsterdam through language, skills and cultural exchange programmes.
