IJburg, Amsterdam, Netherlands Delivering Better Places: Visual Case Study 4
INTRODUCTION
WHAT ARE CASE STUDIES Case Studies aim to set out thinking, briefing or possible forward action on a specific topic or question. They provide in-depth information and can outline ways to tackle issues. This Case Study has been prepared by A+DS. WHAT IS THIS CASE STUDY ABOUT? This case study has been informed by Delivering Better Places, a collaborative publication from The Scottish Centre for Regeneration, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Scotland and Architecture and Design Scotland, who worked with the University of Glasgow to create a good practice guide. The guide helps public, private and community stakeholders identify good practice and improve their understanding of delivering better places. Delivering Better Places, S Gov, 2011
This case study provides a visual analysis of the IJburg development, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, presenting text from the Delivering Better Places analysis of the development alongside images which illustrate the findings. The objective of this case study is to provide a visual tool to highlight elements of successful developments from around Europe, to help inspire the delivery of better places for Scotland. The images within this case study have been selected from the Steve Tiesdell Legacy Collection, which can be accessed in full on flickr.
IJBURG, AMSTERDAM LOCATION / MASTERPLAN
Site Location
Masterplan
SUMMARY PROFILE
Built on a series of artificial islands, IJburg is a meticulously planned and executed sustainable urban extension to Amsterdam, aiming to create the character, feel and amenity of the city’s more established neighbourhoods. First considered as a site for extension in the 1960s, the contemporary project dates from the early 1990s. Having been identified as a VINEX* location in 1994, Projectbureau IJburg was created within the Amsterdam DRO, who consulted on and designed the masterplan. Construction of the islands began in 1999. Road and building construction started in 2001. Three islands are complete and (largely) developed to date. Buildings on Haveneiland (by far the biggest island) were delivered by three consortia encompassing more than 20 developers creating rapid development and variety. IJburg (unsurprisingly) required many bridges; these link it in to the surrounding suburbs and nature reserves, making the new neighbourhood accessible. * VINEX – an abbreviation of ‘Vierde Nota Ruimtelijke Ordening Extra’: the fourth Dutch Ten Year Housing Programme (1996-2005)
DISTINCT IDENTITY
Does the place have a distinct identity? Its identity is recognisably Amsterdam, with its high density and proximity to water. At the same time it is very much IJburg and could not be mistaken for any other VINEX location nor for anywhere else in Amsterdam or the Netherlands.
SAFE AND PLEASANT
Does the place have spaces that are safe and pleasant? Very many. The streets themselves are pleasant, attractive and free in most places from too much traffic. There are also small and large parks, a beach (in summer), a popular marina, the adjacent Diemerpark nature reserve and the water itself.
EASY TO MOVE AROUND
Is the place easy to move around (especially on foot) (‘permeable’)? Yes. It is built to a grid that has similar dimensions to the traditional neighbourhoods of Amsterdam. It is also easy to move from IJburg to the surrounding mainland and to Amsterdam; IJburg is very well connected, with many bridges, especially for pedestrians/cyclists.
SENSE OF WELCOME
Does the place make visitors feel sense-of-welcome? Yes. It is easy to get to and find your way around IJburg, due to its coherent layout and dedicated tram line. The (sole) Band B bridge is built in a shape reminiscent of an upturned boat and is very welcoming to visitors indeed.
ADAPTABLE
Will the place adapt easily to changing circumstances (‘robust’)? IJburg’s rich variety is a strength. Fine urban grain and use of small plots allows for incremental development and renewal of buildings. Many land uses and good connections ensure that the place will always have a number of functions and purposes. The main risk for IJburg is that of rising sea levels. This is partly mitigated by the development of floating houses on Steigereiland and provision of spaces for houseboats.
RESOURCE EFFICIENT
Does the place make good use of scarce resources (‘sustainable’)? It certainly makes good use of a very scarce resource in Holland (land) by simply creating more and building to a high density. It is quite possible to live in IJburg without a car, or at least only need to use one occasionally. Most journeys can be made by tram or bike; both are probably quicker than driving in Amsterdam. IJburg, while very good, does not however have the same overarching commitment to environmental sustainability that characterises Hammarby Sjöstad.
Project Information LOCATION:
East of Amsterdam; readily accessible from Amsterdam Centraal by express tram (journey time is 15-20 minutes). PROJECT CONTEXT: Urban edge/ greenfield though actually created on artificial island. PROJECT TYPE: Growth, on artificial islands on the edge of the City. RATIONALE: Planned urban extension, emulating characteristic urban form and neighbourhoods of central Amsterdam. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Aim is to create a complete neighbourhood for 45,000 people, with everything that would be expected in an established neighbourhood – library, parks, activities, sports activities/centres, schools etc. Phase 1 of project consists of 9,000 residential units, built at twice the density of average Vinex location. On a further four new islands, Phase II will comprise a further 11,000 residential units. PLACE PROMOTER: Municipality of Amsterdam’s City Planning Department (DRO). LAND OWNERSHIP: Land created by construction of artificial islands. Land had to been transferred from a national public body to a local public body. DELIVERY METHOD: Masterplan developed by the DRO in collaboration with private sector architects, planners and urban designers. The City acted as land developer installing physical and social infrastructure, notably a tram extension. The infrastructure was funded upfront by the City, but costs were recovered from selling serviced development plots to developers. Developers must comply with the requirements of site-specific and area-specific design codes. The City also introduced a quality team process, which includes the appointment of a ‘block coach’ to coordinate the designs of architects working on individual buildings and street blocks within an identified area. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: A meticulously planned project with physical and social infrastructure being developed in advance of building development – that is, infrastructure-led development. Project was conceived in the mid-1990s, with building construction commencing in 2001. Phase I is approximately 75% complete.
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