The Atlas of Amsterdam

During the O2a classes, the main focus was on expanding knowledge about the diversity and variety that Amsterdam has to offer. Urban planning projects from different time periods were analyzed, and it is fascinating to see how the needs of the city and its inhabitants have changed over time. We can learn from past mistakes, but we can also experiment with new ideas that we can benefit from today.

The city of Amsterdam is constantly evolving, and it is essential to have a deep understanding of its history and the reasons behind its current layout. Through the O2a classes, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of how urban planning has shaped Amsterdam into the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. By learning from the successes and failures of the past, we can continue to shape Amsterdam's future in a way that benefits both its inhabitants and visitors.

As we continue to analyze and understand Amsterdam's urban development, we must remember that it is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing spaces but also about addressing the needs of the people who live, work, and visit the city. Through the O2a classes, we have gained the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the ongoing development of Amsterdam in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and equitable.

During the last week of the O2a course, we compared two projects and reflected on our personal growth. For me, this primarily involved testing new drawing and analysis techniques. I have become much more confident with freehand drawing and sketching, which was a deliberate goal of mine for this course. Despite my background in urban planning from HvA, I was already familiar with all the projects we visited. Therefore, my aim for these eight weeks was to explore a deeper layer of the designs, to put myself in the shoes of residents and visitors, rather than solely focusing on the urban planning vision. 

This project is a fictitious project based on current trends. No external parties were involved in this project