BUROPPOSSO

The Rivierenbuurt in Amsterdam South is designed by city architect Berlage in 1915 as an urban ensemble. The design studio "Plan Zuid, in bewerking" objectives were analysing the design and current situation and explore spatial chances for urban improvement.

The original plan was not followed due to wars, the quick rise of the car, the switch after the war to a modernistic city architect and society. City architect Van Eesteren in his turn was also not able to completely realise his modernistic vision. The proposed tangential president Kennedylaan is not leading anywhere as it is stopping at the exhibition centre RAI.

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Again our society is in a transition, now to a knowledge and experience-based economy. A big worldwide migration to big cities gives a high pressure on the urban fabric.  Less importance is given to an car based urban daily system in favor public and bike-transport making it possible to get livable and more dense cities. 

Due to these circumstances the possibility rises to correct the urban scar called president Kennedylaan and bring it in line with the old plan of Berlage. He foresaw here monumental urban court-like spaces. This would provide people the opportunity to find inside the city places for rest and recreation a rare but much desired urban quality in the metropolitan city.

A pragmatic way is achieved by using mainly the space of the president Kennedylaan and not breaking down all buildings, only ones which don't fit the new court and circus-like urban structures. Later they can redevelop within the new structure.   Besides the mentioned structures also a truly monumental entrance ensemble is possible, connecting to the city quarters on the other embankment of the Amstel. Around the public swimming pool a sport park is created.  The new buildings give this wanted area of the city hundreds of apartments and a higher quality of life and urban fabric.