In July 2019, the Municipal Executive of Amsterdam gave a formal undertaking to protect existing (and threatened) free spaces, and to make new free spaces, some with appropriate buildings, available to the residents of Amsterdam. These free spaces will allow a wealth of initiatives to be developed in diverse
fields: art and culture, nightlife, sustainability, ecology, recreation and exercise, food production, experimental housing and work settings – and perhaps others which we cannot yet foresee. Such initiatives can be of varying duration: a single night, a weekend, a season, a few years or permanent.
This document outlines the ‘Expedition Free Space’ programme that is to be developed over the years ahead. How will the municipality protect existing free spaces? How will it create new ones? The City’s active involvement, based on a strategy document, may seem something of a paradox. It suggests an element
of formal planning and that is diametrically opposed to the unregulated nature of free space. Nevertheless, it is essential for the city to adopt a strong position, particularly in terms of zoning and space allocation, if Amsterdam is to maintain its free spaces in the longer term. The intention is to allow those who will structure the space, and programme the relevant activities, as much freedom as possible.
We also wish to ensure that as many people as possible can make use of free space. The core principles are openness, accessibility and inclusivity. This calls for an innovative approach and new forms of partnership, whereby the City’s role will be that of facilitator. We shall remove potential obstacles so that the people with ideas have a free hand in developing the spaces and activities. This is in keeping with the wider trend of civil participation, whereby groups and individuals are encouraged to take ‘ownership’ of their neighbourhood and public spaces.
Over the past year, we have examined the current status of free space in Amsterdam. This involved examining the wishes and requirements of users and target groups, as well as the proven success factors and sticking points. We spoke with many stakeholders, all of whom proved themselves enthusiastic and driven. The main findings of our initial survey are described in Chapter 1. They form the basis of the Expedition Free Spaces 2020-2021 programme.The ‘expediting’ itself will commence during the second half of 2020. The key principle is experimentation alongside the various stakeholders. In practice, this entails testing various methods intended to protect free spaces and promote their accessibility, in collaboration with users and representatives of the target groups. We shall learn what works and what is perhaps less effective. An evaluation of the activities and results will follow after one year. Its findings will allow us to identify appropriate ways in which to retain and expand free space in the longer term. Chapter 2 describes the course and activities of the programme’s first year. Chapter 3 is concerned with cooperation, with the municipality in the role of ‘learning organization’. Once again, evaluation is a key part of the process.
Behandeld in Commissie Ruimtelijke Ordening en Kunst Diversiteit en Democratisering 2 december 2020
Voor meer informatie klik hier
Deze publicatie is opgesteld door de gemeente Amsterdam, Ruimte en Duurzaamheid, in samenwerking met Bureau Broedplaatsen, Gemeentelijk Vastgoed, Grond en Ontwikkeling, Kunst en Cultuur, en het Programma Democratisering (Chief Technology Office)