1. MESSAGES FROM DUTCH CITIES
TEN Group study tour
1st – 2nd October 2009

2. Where we went
2. Bike tour of
Vathorst,Amersfoort’s
latest extension
1. Boat trip to see new
harbour side housing in
Amsterdam
3. Metro, walking,
river taxi and tram
tour of Rotterdam

3. What we learned
• Street surfaces are well-cared for
Amsterdam

4. • High density new housing has
more than doubled the
population
Amsterdam

5. • Simple construction and complex facades cut costs
Amsterdam

6. • Extensive use of balconies attracts families
Amsterdam

7. • Social housing caters for a wider range of households
Amsterdam

8. • High quality town houses on Borneo Island
Amsterdam

9. Source: Han Lorzing, Netherlands Institute for Spatial Research
Vathorst
Context
• Vathorst was developed under the ten yearVINEX
programme. It is one of 90 new suburbs, over 20 of
which are in the Randstad

10. • Amersfoort Council built up experience in
Kattenbroek and Nieuwland
Vathorst

11. Connectivity
• The railway station was opened in
advance of population build-up
Vathorst

12. Vathorst
• Pedestrians and cyclists have primacy

13. Vathorst
• High frequency bus service goes round the edge

14. Commerce
• Temporary shops provided from early on
Vathorst

15. • New shopping centre built on traditional lines
Vathorst

16. • Jobs close to home
Vathorst

17. Community
• Artists help build community spirit
Vathorst

18. Vathorst

19. Vathorst
• School provides community hub

20. Vathorst
• Variety of housing with something for everyone

21. Vathorst
• Mix of incomes as well as tenures
at the neighbourhood level

22. • Housing for the elderly and the disabled at the heart of the
community
Vathorst

23. Character
• The masterplan promotes a series of different character areas
e.g. the Lake
Vathorst

24. Vathorst
• A diversity of builders and
architects makesVathorst more
appealing

25. Climate
• Canals used to hold rainwater and add value to housing
Vathorst

26. Vathorst
• Energy saving is built into the foundations
e.g. ground source heat pumps

27. • Bringing the country into
the town
Vathorst

28. Vathorst
• Waste is collected from underground containers

29. Collaboration
• Information centre next toVathorst Development Company
offices
Vathorst

30. Vathorst
• Large model explains what the final scheme will be like

31. Rotterdam
• Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port

32. • The City sought to change its poor image (particularly Kop
van Zuid) through the iconic Erasmus bridge
Rotterdam

33. Rotterdam
• The railway lines were put underground and a new
metro link opened up

34. Rotterdam
• The whole Central Railway
station is being rebuilt as part of
the high-speed European
network

35. • River taxis connect both sides
of the harbour
Rotterdam

36. Rotterdam
• The vision was of Manhattan on the
Maas

37. Rotterdam

38. Rotterdam
• Stylish apartments
attract middle-class
people to live in the
centre

39. • A new theatre and an adjoining
college put Kop van Zuid on the
map
Rotterdam

40. Rotterdam
• Old warehouses have
been turned into a
creative quarter

41. Rotterdam
• Cultural facilities like Rem
Koolhaas’ modern art
gallery and iconic
architecture have helped
change the city’s image

42. How we might transfer the lessons?
1. Local investment Setting up joint venture
development companies
2. Local autonomy Working together across
boundaries to apply City Management principles
3. Social balance Broadening the range of
occupiers of social housing
4. Neighbourhood management Developing
‘social etiquette’ and integrating minorities into
our way of life.